School Garden Week of December 2nd, 2024

Welcome Back!  I hope everyone had a safe and restful Thanksgiving break.


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?

 

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. 


Lets take a look at the weather:


Outside in the raised beds:

There are not a lot of tasks to do this week in the raised beds due to the cold.

  • I recommend that you inspect the raised beds to make sure the season extension garden cover is secure. 
  • I do not see much time this week to get a harvest or to check the plants. Only on Wednesday does the daytime temperature get above freezing.
  • If you do need to check your plants or do maintenance of the season extension garden cover, try to do the work around the middle of the day on a day that is above freezing.
  • Make sure to only work the season extension garden cover if is is fully thawed.  If it is frozen, it will tear.

Here is a video from the GTS Online Modules to learn more about Season Extension


Inside in the Aerogarden:

Hopefully your Aerogarden herbs are doing great.  Let me know if you have any questions and feel free to send me some pics!  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.  

We should have Bok Choy growing under the lights right now. You may be getting a harvest!

  • Make sure you bottom water your seedlings as needed, and especially check on Friday before you leave for the weekend.
  • Make sure you fertilize according to the label directions.  This is the pink crystal fertilizer from Katie, not the same as the Aerogarden.

Do you need a refresher on bottom watering!  Here you go!


Are you getting ready to harvest?  Here is a video for safe harvest and storage.


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 see what others are doing?  Check out the Columbus City School gardens at ccs_growing_teachers on Insta!