Month: October 2023

School Garden Week of October 30th, 2023

This is a weekly look at what is happening in the school garden to assist teacher educators engage their students in agriculture.  It can be used by garden students of all ages however!

 

Thanks for sending me pictures!  I am responding to them as fast as possible.  Keep sending them to me,  I enjoy seeing your progress.

Let’s check out the forecast.

 

It looks like our nice weather is taking a break this week.  You will need to cover up your raised beds today with season extension garden cover.  If you have plastic, it would not be a bad idea to cover your beds with the plastic overnight as well.  Make sure if you cover with plastic overnight that you remove the plastic in the morning on the sunny days or it might get too hot for your plants. 

  

Outside in the raised beds:

This month is planting of spinach and kale.

This week planting recommendations:

  • Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday,  and Friday – keep your beds covered with the season extension garden cover.
  • Thursday and Friday – good planting days for spinach and kale,  make sure to water your seeds after planting to promote good germination.
  • If the season extension garden cover is frozen, do not try to open it or it may tear.
  • Cover your beds with season extension garden cover Friday before you leave school if the weather changes and gets cold like it did this past weekend.

For CCS teachers if you need soil, seeds, or fertilizer let Katie know.

Inside in the Aerogarden:

Hopefully you have had good germination and are getting good plant growth in your Aerogarden.  Send me some pictures and I will post them in the weekly email.

 Aerogarden has some great information on planting on their website.  CLICK HERE for their product manual website.

Click here for the Aerogarden planting guide for herbs –> herb_tending_and_harvesting_guide

If you have germination already, you should be thinning to one seedling per pod.  Make sure to cover up the unplanted openings to keep light from the nutrient solution.

There are three basil seedlings in this pod. They need to be thinned until there is one left.

Inside under LED lights.  

How are your plants growing under your LED lights?  Send me some pictures and I will use them in the weekly email.  You will need to fertilize every two weeks.  The fertilizer for indoor LED lights is the pink crystals delivered through bottom watering mixed according to the instructions on the package.

Tips on Bottom Watering:  We have been getting lots of questions regarding bottom watering.  Here is a step by step look at the process:

  1. Be sure to bottom water twice per week under the LED.  Watering before you leave school on Friday is recommended as one of the times.
  2. Remove the insert tray holding the pots from the the bottom tray.
  3. Fill the bottom tray half full of water.
  4. Place the pots in the water so that they can absorb water through the holes on the bottom of the pots to fully hydrate the soil.
  5. Leave them in the water for about 30 minutes until fully hydrated.
  6. Dump the extra water from the bottom tray.
  7. Replace the insert tray into the bottom tray and put the pots back into the insert tray to drain.
  8. Every two weeks add fertilizer to the bottom water according to the label.

 

Tips for good germination and growth:

  • October is Bok Choy planting time under the LED lights.

Check out the seed starting video for the technique.  It is kale in the video, but the technique is the same as they are cousins.

  • Remove the humidity dome after germination.
  • If you do not have a humidity dome, you can use plastic wrap to lightly cover to provide humidity for germination.  Uncover the plastic wrap after seed germinate.
  • Check below for thinning pictures.  The seedlings are kale, but the technique is the same.  Bottom water if you are going to gently pull the seedling from the pot as it will slide out of moist soil.  If the seedlings are too mature, or too close together, then trim the seedlings off at the soil level with scissors.
  • As your plants grow, keep the seedlings within a few inches of the LED light panel so that they do not get too leggy.

I planted three seeds and all three germinated. I need to thin to one seedling. Any of them would make a good plant, but if I keep all of them they will compete. I need to thin to a single plant in the pot.

 

Thinned to a single strong seedling that can grow to maturity and harvest in the pot, or can be transplanted outside.

If you have transplants ready to go outside,  here is a video to watch with your kiddos to guide you on that process:

We had a fun PD recently with some new methods to grow.  Here are some pics for you to enjoy of some alternate ways to grow in hydroponics in your classroom.

Here is a Miracle Gro 12 unit growing at Berwick K-8. Looking great and growing marigold, poppy, spinach, and turnip. Looking forward to seeing how they grow.

The tower garden is growing like crazy!

 

We will have snap peas to eat soon. Peas are self-pollinating.

 

Let me know what questions you have!  Make sure you engage your kiddos in the process. Looking forward to a wonderful Ag in the Classroom season!

Composting 101 Class at The Urban Farm Church on Wednesday November 15th @ 6pm

It is fall, and that means leaves, and that means it is composting time!  I get tons of questions about this process.

I will be partnering with my friends at The Urban Farm Church for a Composting 101 class on Wednesday November 15th @ 6pm.  We will talk about the composting process, how to get started, the science involved, there will be snacks! and if the weather cooperates, we will head outside to walk around the farm.  It is a really magnificent place and it should be the best. night. ever!

The class is free and open to the public so bring your friends and your questions!  They ask for registration so that they know how much food to prepare and seats to put out.  Hope to see you there!

CLICK HERE to register for the class.

CLICK HERE for directions to The Urban Farm Church

School Garden Week of October 23rd, 2023.

This is a weekly look at what is happening in the school garden to assist teacher educators engage their students in agriculture.  It can be used by garden students of all ages however!

 

Thanks for sending me pictures!  I am responding to them as fast as possible.  Keep sending them to me,  I enjoy seeing your progress.

Let’s check out the forecast.

We have good growing weather this week.  Make sure you water every day until germination then every 2-3 days since we have had very little rain.

While we do not need to use the season extension  garden cover this week, it is coming for the week after. Make sure to to find your cover and your PVC supports if you removed them before the summer break.  

To get great germination, water every day until your seeds germinate in your raised beds. 

Outside in the raised beds:

This week planting recommendations:

  • Hopefully you have all your planting of radishes, peas, and cilantro done.  Let me know if you do not.  I do not recommend planting peas and radishes any longer, but cilantro does well in the cold weather and can still be planted.
  • Make sure you thin your seedlings outdoors.  See some pics below of some well spaced seedlings.
  • Friday – While we have rain in the weekend forecast, I recommend you try to water your seeds in the ground or your seedlings in your raised beds before you leave for the weekend.
  • No need for season extension right now, outdoor school gardens next to schools, playgrounds, and parking lots are generally pretty good micro-environments for growing.
  • Fertilization:  If you added some granular fertilizer from Katie before you planted, you should be good to go for awhile. If you have Shake and Feed, and have not used any this season yet, then you can apply according to the label on the package.   If not, you may need to fertilize with the water soluble pink crystal fertilizer that we use for indoor growing. Fertilize according to the label on the package.

For CCS teachers if you need soil, seeds, or fertilizer let Katie know.

Next month we are planting spinach and kale outside in the raised beds.  Make sure to contact Katie for seeds now if you do not have any.

Inside in the Aerogarden:

Hopefully you have had good germination and are getting good plant growth in your Aerogarden.  Send me some pictures and I will post them in the weekly email.

 Aerogarden has some great information on planting on their website.  CLICK HERE for their product manual website.

Click here for the Aerogarden planting guide for herbs –> herb_tending_and_harvesting_guide

If you have germination already, you should be thinning to one seedling per pod.  Make sure to cover up the unplanted openings to keep light from the nutrient solution.

There are three basil seedlings in this pod. They need to be thinned until there is one left.

Inside under LED lights.  

How are your plants growing under your LED lights?  Send me some pictures and I will use them in the weekly email.  You will need to fertilize every two weeks.  The fertilizer for indoor LED lights is the pink crystals delivered through bottom watering mixed according to the instructions on the package.

Tips for good germination and growth:

  • October is Bok Choy planting time under the LED lights.

Check out the seed starting video for the technique.  It is kale in the video, but the technique is the same as they are cousins.

  • Remove the humidity dome after germination.
  • If you do not have a humidity dome, you can use plastic wrap to lightly cover to provide humidity for germination.  Uncover the plastic wrap after seed germinate.
  • Check below for thinning pictures.  The seedlings are kale, but the technique is the same.  Bottom water if you are going to gently pull the seedling from the pot as it will slide out of moist soil.  If the seedlings are too mature, or too close together, then trim the seedlings off at the soil level with scissors.
  • As your plants grow, keep the seedlings within a few inches of the LED light panel so that they do not get too leggy.

I planted three seeds and all three germinated. I need to thin to one seedling. Any of them would make a good plant, but if I keep all of them they will compete. I need to thin to a single plant in the pot.

 

Thinned to a single strong seedling that can grow to maturity and harvest in the pot, or can be transplanted outside.

If you have transplants ready to go outside,  here is a video to watch with your kiddos to guide you on that process:

We had a fun PD recently with some new methods to grow.  Here are some pics for you to enjoy of some alternate ways to grow in hydroponics in your classroom.

Here is a Miracle Gro 12 unit growing at Berwick K-8. Looking great and growing marigold, poppy, spinach, and turnip. Looking forward to seeing how they grow.

The tower garden is growing like crazy!

 

We will have snap peas to eat soon. Peas are self-pollinating.

 

The cucumbers are a hydroponic variety that is all female flowers and do not need pollinated.

 

Let me know what questions you have!  Make sure you engage your kiddos in the process. Looking forward to a wonderful Ag in the Classroom season!

School Garden Week of October 16th, 2023

This is a weekly look at what is happening in the school garden to assist teacher educators engage their students in agriculture.  It can be used by garden students of all ages however!

 

Thanks for sending me pictures!  I am responding to them as fast as possible.  Keep sending them to me,  I enjoy seeing your progress.

Let’s check out the forecast.

 

We have good growing weather this week.  Make sure you water every day until germination then every 2-3 days since we have had very little rain. While it shows rain on Friday,  plan to water unless we get a good amount of rain on Friday.

While we do not need to use the season extension  garden cover right now, it is a good idea to find your cover and your PVC supports if you removed them before the summer break.  Make sure to locate those materials now for when we see some frost on the ten day forecast. 

To get great germination, water every day until your seeds germinate in your raised beds. 

Outside in the raised beds:

This week planting recommendations:

  • Hopefully you have all your planting of radishes, peas, and cilantro done.  Let me know if you do not.  I do not recommend planting peas and radishes any longer, but cilantro does well in the cold weather and can still be planted.
  • Make sure you thin your seedlings outdoors.  See some pics below of some well spaced seedlings.
  • Friday – While we have rain in the weekend forecast, I recommend you try to water your seeds in the ground or your seedlings in your raised beds before you leave for the weekend.
  • No need for season extension right now, outdoor school gardens next to schools, playgrounds, and parking lots are generally pretty good micro-environments for growing.

For CCS teachers if you need soil, seeds, or fertilizer let Katie know.

Here are some pics from Valley Forge of their peas and radishes.  They will have a radish harvest soon!  (Pic Credit: Michelle H.)

 

Inside in the Aerogarden:

Hopefully you have had good germination and are getting good plant growth in your Aerogarden.  Send me some pictures and I will post them in the weekly email.

 Aerogarden has some great information on planting on their website.  CLICK HERE for their product manual website.

Click here for the Aerogarden planting guide for herbs –> herb_tending_and_harvesting_guide

If you have germination already, you should be thinning to one seedling per pod.  Make sure to cover up the unplanted openings to keep light from the nutrient solution.

There are three basil seedlings in this pod. They need to be thinned until there is one left.

Inside under LED lights.  

How are your plants growing under your LED lights?  Send me some pictures and I will use them in the weekly email.  You will need to fertilize every two weeks.  The fertilizer for indoor LED lights is the pink crystals delivered through bottom watering mixed according to the instructions on the package.

Tips for good germination and growth:

  • October is Bok Choy planting time under the LED lights.

Check out the seed starting video for the technique.  It is kale in the video, but the technique is the same as they are cousins.

  • Remove the humidity dome after germination.
  • If you do not have a humidity dome, you can use plastic wrap to lightly cover to provide humidity for germination.  Uncover the plastic wrap after seed germinate.
  • Check below for thinning pictures.  The seedlings are kale, but the technique is the same.  Bottom water if you are going to gently pull the seedling from the pot as it will slide out of moist soil.  If the seedlings are too mature, or too close together, then trim the seedlings off at the soil level with scissors.

I planted three seeds and all three germinated. I need to thin to one seedling. Any of them would make a good plant, but if I keep all of them they will compete. I need to thin to a single plant in the pot.

 

 

Thinned to a single strong seedling that can grow to maturity and harvest in the pot, or can be transplanted outside.

 

Let me know what questions you have!  Make sure you engage your kiddos in the process. Looking forward to a wonderful Ag in the Classroom season!

School Garden Week of October 9th.

This is a weekly look at what is happening in the school garden to assist teacher educators engage their students in agriculture.  It can be used by garden students of all ages however!

Let’s check out the forecast.

We have good growing weather this week.  Make sure you water every day until germination then every 2-3 days since we have had very little rain.   While I see a little bit of low temperatures this week  I do not think we will need to use season extension to protect the baby plants at that temperature.

While we do not need to use the season extension  garden cover right now, it is a good idea to find your cover and your PVC supports if you removed them before the summer break.  Make sure to locate those materials now for when we see some frost on the ten day forecast. 

To get great germination, water every day until your seeds germinate in your raised beds. 

Outside in the raised beds:

This week planting recommendations:

  • Monday through Thursday – all are potential planting days for outdoor seeding.  Make sure to water seeds deeply after planting and then each day until germination.
  • Friday – While we have rain in the weekend forecast, I recommend you try to water your seeds in the ground or your seedlings in your raised beds before you leave for the weekend.
  • No need for season extension right now, outdoor school gardens next to schools, playgrounds, and parking lots are generally pretty good micro-environments for growing.

For CCS teachers if you need soil, seeds, or fertilizer let Katie know.

This row of radishes needs to be thinned to one radish every 3-4 inches. Water before you thin to make the thinning process easier.

 

This row of radishes is thinned to the correct spacing to allow the radishes to develop.

Inside in the Aerogarden:

Hopefully you have had good germination and are getting good plant growth in your Aerogarden.  Send me some pictures and I will post them in the weekly email.

 Aerogarden has some great information on planting on their website.  CLICK HERE for their product manual website.

Click here for the Aerogarden planting guide for herbs –> herb_tending_and_harvesting_guide

If you have germination already, you should be thinning to one seedling per pod.  Make sure to cover up the unplanted openings to keep light from the nutrient solution.

There are three basil seedlings in this pod. They need to be thinned until there is one left.

Inside under LED lights.  

How are your plants growing under your LED lights?  Send me some pictures and I will use them in the weekly email.  You will need to fertilize every two weeks.  The fertilizer for indoor LED lights is the pink crystals delivered through bottom watering mixed according to the instructions on the package.

Tips for good germination and growth:

  • Remove the humidity dome after germination.
  • If you do not have a humidity dome, you can use plastic wrap to lightly cover to provide humidity for germination.  Uncover the plastic wrap after seed germinate.
  • Check below for thinning pictures.  The seedlings are kale, but the technique is the same.  Bottom water if you are going to gently pull the seedling from the pot as it will slide out of moist soil.  If the seedlings are too mature, or too close together, then trim the seedlings off at the soil level with scissors.

I planted three seeds and all three germinated. I need to thin to one seedling. Any of them would make a good plant, but if I keep all of them they will compete. I need to thin to a single plant in the pot.

 

 

Thinned to a single strong seedling that can grow to maturity and harvest in the pot, or can be transplanted outside.

 

Let me know what questions you have!  Make sure you engage your kiddos in the process. Looking forward to a wonderful Ag in the Classroom season!

Check out the Apple Crunch flyer below for a fun activity you can do with your kiddos.

School Garden Week of October 2nd, 2023.

This is a weekly look at what is happening in the school garden to assist teacher educators engage their students in agriculture.  It can be used by garden students of all ages however!

Let’s check out the forecast.

 

We have some heat to start the week,  make sure you are checking your plants every day if possible.  You may need to water the baby seedlings in the raised beds daily in the first half of the week.  While I see a little bit of low 40 degree weather over the weekend,  I do not think we will need to use season extension to protect the baby plants at that temperature.

While we do not need to use the season extension  garden cover right now, it is a good idea to find your cover and your PVC supports if you removed them before the summer break.  Make sure to locate those materials now for when we see some frost on the ten day forecast. 

To get great germination, water every day until your seeds germinate in your raised beds. 

Outside in the raised beds:

This week planting recommendations:

  • Monday through Thursday – all are potential planting days for outdoor seeding.  Make sure to water seeds deeply after planting and then each day until germination.
  • Friday – try to water your seeds in the ground or your seedlings in your raised beds before you leave for the weekend.
  • No need for season extension right now.

For CCS teachers if you need soil, seeds, or fertilizer let Katie know.

This row of radishes needs to be thinned to one radish every 3-4 inches. Water before you thin to make the thinning process easier.

 

This row of radishes is thinned to the correct spacing to allow the radishes to develop.

Inside in the Aerogarden:

It is time to get some herbs started in the Aerogarden! Make sure you have seed pods and fertilizer.  Any CCS teachers who need supplies should contact Katie.

 Aerogarden has some great information on planting on their website.  CLICK HERE for their product manual website.

Click here for the Aerogarden planting guide for herbs –> herb_tending_and_harvesting_guide

If you have germination already, you should be thinning to one seedling per pod.  Make sure to cover up the unplanted openings to keep light from the nutrient solution.

There are three basil seedlings in this pod. They need to be thinned until there is one left.

Inside under LED lights.  

Make sure you have all of the pots, seed starting mix, lights, cord and timers needed for indoor planting.  We can direct sow cilantro in 2″ pots for either growing and harvesting indoors or for transplanting outdoors.  You can do comparisons with your students about how they grow in each system.

  • Remove the humidity dome after germination.
  • If you do not have a humidity dome, you can use plastic wrap to lightly cover to provide humidity for germination.  Uncover the plastic wrap after seed germinate.
  • Check below for thinning pictures.  The seedlings are kale, but the technique is the same.  Bottom water if you are going to gently pull the seedling from the pot as it will slide out of moist soil.  If the seedlings are too mature, or too close together, then trim the seedlings off at the soil level with scissors.

I planted three seeds and all three germinated. I need to thin to one seedling. Any of them would make a good plant, but if I keep all of them they will compete. I need to thin to a single plant in the pot.

 

 

Thinned to a single strong seedling that can grow to maturity and harvest in the pot, or can be transplanted outside.

 

Let me know what questions you have!  Make sure you engage your kiddos in the process. Looking forward to a wonderful Ag in the Classroom season!

Check out the Apple Crunch flyer below for a fun activity you can do with your kiddos.