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!
Have you been using the Growing Teachers Throughout the Seasons guidebook to assist you with your growing?
There is a ton of information in the guidebook but also in the 20 Online Modules including kid-friendly videos to assist you with your indoor and outdoor planning. The online modules are free and easy to use and include a new Introductory Video that walks you through the GTS process. Click to access the Online Modules.
Most of the guidance from last weeks post is still applicable for this week so I kept it in place. Other than the weather. Let’s check out the forecast.
It is amazing to me the lack of rainfall that we have experienced in the past several months. What it means for you at school is that when you plant seeds outside, you need to water daily until germination at these high temperatures, and then will need to continue to water the seedlings until we get some rain, which according to the above predictions, is not until October at the earliest!!
Outside in the raised beds:
There are some tasks we are looking to get started outdoors this week if possible. Some action items for those who are using GTS:
Want to learn what Growing Teachers Throughout the Seasons (GTS) is? Check out the Guidebook HERE and the 20 Online Modules HERE! It is a great way for a teacher to learn how to engage their kiddos in agriculture in a data driven and teacher tested method based on the academic calendar.
- Uncover your raised bed by removing the black plastic if you covered the beds over the summer. Add soil if needed to bring the level up.
- Save the black plastic! Fold it up and store it for use at the end of May next year.
- Add some fertilizer according to the label on the package.
- For GTS we are planting radishes, cilantro, and peas outdoors in the raised bed. Other veggies that could be seeded if you have the seeds would be leafy greens, carrots, and green onions.
- Plant according to seed size. We plant seeds about 3 times as deep as the seeds are large. Radish and cilantro seeds are tiny so they are planted only about 1/4 inch deep. Peas are larger so they are planted about 1 inch deep.
- Make sure to thin your seedlings when they come up so that they end up about 3-4 inches apart.
- Water as needed, but likely once or twice a week based on rain until harvest.
For CCS teachers if you need soil, seeds, or fertilizer let Katie know.
If you did not cover your raised bed make sure to remove all the weeds in the bed before you start!
Do you need to get raised beds started and want to learn how to do that? I made a quick little video to walk you through the process.
Here is a quick and engaging video with information on best varieties to seed or plant directly.
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
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. I have a video below that will help you with direct sowing seeds in pots.
- Even though the video shows kale being planted, the technique is the same for cilantro.
- Remove the humidity dome after germination.
- Thin to one seedling per pot as shown in the video.
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!
Want to grow at home this Fall? You are supported not only in your school but in your backyard or community garden space as well. I did a video in collaboration with The Nature Conservancy on Fall growing you may be interested in.