Month: March 2025

School Garden Week of March 31st, 2025

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: 

  • It looks like this week has some good growing weather plus some overnight cold temperatures
  • We got decent rain this week, but you still should check to make sure that your garden got enough water, and water if needed.
  • If you do want to harvest: Make sure to wait until the season extension garden cover is fully thawed before you pop open and check the plants. The best time to do this will be around mid-day. Replace the season extension garden cover after you harvest to let the heat build back up. 
  • If your lettuce is ready to go outside under the season extension garden cover, make sure to harden the seedlings off prior to transplanting  I added the transplanting video below to guide you.
  • Make sure the season extension garden cover is secure on Friday before you leave for the weekend.

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

Here is a video that show how to safely harvest and store your fresh leafy greens

Here is a video on transplanting

Inside under LED lights:  

This month you are maintaining collard greens and lettuce under LED lights for transplanting outside in the raised beds later in the spring.

  • Make sure to fertilize according to the directions with the pink fertilizer.
  • Water as needed.  They are growing fast!
  • Make sure to check and water on Friday before you leave.
  • If they are ready to transplant, see the video and guidance above.
  • Email questions to me at mcdermott.15@osu.edu

All of the seedlings we are planting now can will be able to be transplanted outside later on, or if you want to let them grow indoors until they are harvested you can do that too. I need some pics!  Send some my way!

Inside in the Aerogarden:

This month we are planting tomatoes in the Aerogarden.  If you planted herbs in the Aerogarden last semester you will need to clean out the unit before you plant your tomatoes so you can start fresh with a clean Aerogarden.  Follow the instructions for tomato planting carefully, a link to the guide is below. If you need tomato pods then contact Katie.

  • Plant just one tomato pod in the Aerogarden Harvest.
  • Keep the small plastic dome on the pod until germination.
  • Remove the small plastic dome after the seed sprouts.
  • Thin to only one tomato plant in the system.
  • Keep the other holes covered with the black or white plastic caps to keep light from entering into the reservoir with the nutrient system.
  • Make sure you are pruning as directed in the Aerogarden instructions.
  • Make sure to pollinate your flowers to maximize your harvest!
  • Check water levels daily!  The tomatoes are growing fast and using lots of water.

 

One tomato pod in an Aerogarden Harvest centered in the middle to get the most light, with the rest of the holes capped off.

There are more than one seedling in the cup. You need to gently thin to only one tomato seedling per pod.

 

Keep the tomato under the lights by pruning as needed.

I need some better pics of tomatoes in Aerogarden Harvest units.  Does anyone have a pic to share?  Send them my way!

Do you need seeds or seed starter for your project?  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 tomatoes.

 

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

School Garden Week of March 24th, 2025

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: 

  • It looks like this week has some good growing weather plus some overnight cold temperatures.
  • We got a little bit of rain this weekend, but you still should check to make sure that your garden got enough water, and water if needed.
  • If you do want to harvest: Make sure to wait until the season extension garden cover is fully thawed before you pop open and check the plants. The best time to do this will be around mid-day. Replace the season extension garden cover after you harvest to let the heat build back up. 
  • If your lettuce is ready to go outside under the season extension garden cover, make sure to harden the seedlings off prior to transplanting  I added the transplanting video below to guide you.
  • Make sure the season extension garden cover is secure on Friday before you leave for the weekend.

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

Here is a video that show how to safely harvest and store your fresh leafy greens

Here is a video on transplanting

Inside under LED lights:  

This month you are maintaining collard greens and lettuce under LED lights for transplanting outside in the raised beds later in the spring.

  • Make sure to fertilize according to the directions with the pink fertilizer.
  • Water as needed.  They are growing fast!
  • Make sure to check and water on Friday before you leave.
  • If they are ready to transplant, see the video and guidance above.
  • Email questions to me at mcdermott.15@osu.edu

All of the seedlings we are planting now can will be able to be transplanted outside later on, or if you want to let them grow indoors until they are harvested you can do that too. I need some pics!  Send some my way!

Inside in the Aerogarden:

This month we are planting tomatoes in the Aerogarden.  If you planted herbs in the Aerogarden last semester you will need to clean out the unit before you plant your tomatoes so you can start fresh with a clean Aerogarden.  Follow the instructions for tomato planting carefully, a link to the guide is below. If you need tomato pods then contact Katie.

  • Plant just one tomato pod in the Aerogarden Harvest.
  • Keep the small plastic dome on the pod until germination.
  • Remove the small plastic dome after the seed sprouts.
  • Thin to only one tomato plant in the system.
  • Keep the other holes covered with the black or white plastic caps to keep light from entering into the reservoir with the nutrient system.
  • Make sure you are pruning as directed in the Aerogarden instructions.
  • Make sure to pollinate your flowers to maximize your harvest!
  • Check water levels daily!  The tomatoes are growing fast and using lots of water.

 

Keep the tomato under the lights by pruning as needed.

 

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 tomatoes.

 

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

Mari Sunami Community Garden on the South Side: Monthly Garden Walks and Open Spots!

Mari Sunami Community Garden on the South Side is part of Columbus history.  It is the original garden for the South Side Settlement House which served new Columbus residents for over 100 years.  Community Development for All People has done a wonderful job working to transform the space and recreate it into a vibrant community garden.  There are open spots for growers if you would like your own spot to grow, plus there will be educational outreach in the space and even a few plants and seeds for gardeners to use to get started.

I will be hosting Garden Walks at the garden on three upcoming Tuesdays, all at 6pm, to come learn, get questions answered, and see this unique piece of Columbus history.  Here are the dates:

  • Tuesday April 1st @ 6pm – Spring Planting
  • Tuesday May 13th @ 6pm – Summer Planting
  • Tuesday June 17th @ 6pm – Pest and Disease Management

There are open spots available if you are looking to garden, both in the ground and soon to be raised bed garden where the tarp is located. To ask about an open spot contact Sue Wolfe at garden@4allpeople.net or call 614-937-6543

Full sun location with new water service!

The garden can be a little tricky to find so here is a picture of the location from Google Maps

Mari Sunami Community Garden is located at 248 Stanaford Place.  CLICK for MAP

 

School Garden Week of March 17th, 2025

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: 

  • It looks like this week has some good growing weather plus some overnight cold temperatures
  • We got decent rain this week, but you still should check to make sure that your garden got enough water, and water if needed.
  • If you do want to harvest: Make sure to wait until the season extension garden cover is fully thawed before you pop open and check the plants. The best time to do this will be around mid-day. Replace the season extension garden cover after you harvest to let the heat build back up. 
  • If your lettuce is ready to go outside under the season extension garden cover, make sure to harden the seedlings off prior to transplanting  I added the transplanting video below to guide you.
  • Make sure the season extension garden cover is secure on Friday before you leave for the weekend.

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

Here is a video that show how to safely harvest and store your fresh leafy greens

Here is a video on transplanting

Inside under LED lights:  

This month you are maintaining collard greens and lettuce under LED lights for transplanting outside in the raised beds later in the spring.

  • Make sure to fertilize according to the directions with the pink fertilizer.
  • Water as needed.  They are growing fast!
  • Make sure to check and water on Friday before you leave.
  • If they are ready to transplant, see the video and guidance above.
  • Email questions to me at mcdermott.15@osu.edu

All of the seedlings we are planting now can will be able to be transplanted outside later on, or if you want to let them grow indoors until they are harvested you can do that too. I need some pics!  Send some my way!

Inside in the Aerogarden:

This month we are planting tomatoes in the Aerogarden.  If you planted herbs in the Aerogarden last semester you will need to clean out the unit before you plant your tomatoes so you can start fresh with a clean Aerogarden.  Follow the instructions for tomato planting carefully, a link to the guide is below. If you need tomato pods then contact Katie.

  • Plant just one tomato pod in the Aerogarden Harvest.
  • Keep the small plastic dome on the pod until germination.
  • Remove the small plastic dome after the seed sprouts.
  • Thin to only one tomato plant in the system.
  • Keep the other holes covered with the black or white plastic caps to keep light from entering into the reservoir with the nutrient system.
  • Make sure you are pruning as directed in the Aerogarden instructions.
  • Make sure to pollinate your flowers to maximize your harvest!
  • Check water levels daily!  The tomatoes are growing fast and using lots of water.

 

One tomato pod in an Aerogarden Harvest centered in the middle to get the most light, with the rest of the holes capped off.

There are more than one seedling in the cup. You need to gently thin to only one tomato seedling per pod.

 

Keep the tomato under the lights by pruning as needed.

I need some better pics of tomatoes in Aerogarden Harvest units.  Does anyone have a pic to share?  Send them my way!

Do you need seeds or seed starter for your project?  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 tomatoes.

 

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

School Garden Week of March 10th, 2025

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: 

  • Wow!  A third week of decent week of weather to go outside and get a harvest! 
  • You will likely need to water your plants this week!  The warm temperatures will start them growing faster.
  • If you do want to harvest: Make sure to wait until the season extension garden cover is fully thawed before you pop open and check the plants. The best time to do this will be around mid-day. Replace the season extension garden cover after you harvest to let the heat build back up. 
  • You may have some cold damage but hopefully the cold-hardy spinach and kale made it through OK.  They are pretty tough.  Send me some pics!
  • If your lettuce is ready to go outside under the season extension garden cover, make sure to harden the seedlings off prior to transplanting  I added the transplanting video below to guide you.

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

Here is a video that show how to safely harvest and store your fresh leafy greens

Here is a video on transplanting

Inside under LED lights:  

This month you are maintaining collard greens and lettuce under LED lights for transplanting outside in the raised beds later in the spring.

  • Make sure to fertilize according to the directions with the pink fertilizer.
  • Water as needed.  They are growing fast!
  • Make sure to check and water on Friday before you leave.
  • If they are ready to transplant, see the video and guidance above.
  • Email questions to me at mcdermott.15@osu.edu

All of the seedlings we are planting now can will be able to be transplanted outside later on, or if you want to let them grow indoors until they are harvested you can do that too. I need some pics!  Send some my way!

Inside in the Aerogarden:

This month we are planting tomatoes in the Aerogarden.  If you planted herbs in the Aerogarden last semester you will need to clean out the unit before you plant your tomatoes so you can start fresh with a clean Aerogarden.  Follow the instructions for tomato planting carefully, a link to the guide is below. If you need tomato pods then contact Katie.

  • Plant just one tomato pod in the Aerogarden Harvest.
  • Keep the small plastic dome on the pod until germination.
  • Remove the small plastic dome after the seed sprouts.
  • Thin to only one tomato plant in the system.
  • Keep the other holes covered with the black or white plastic caps to keep light from entering into the reservoir with the nutrient system.
  • Make sure you are pruning as directed in the Aerogarden instructions.
  • Make sure to pollinate your flowers to maximize your harvest!
  • Check water levels daily!  The tomatoes are growing fast and using lots of water.

 

One tomato pod in an Aerogarden Harvest centered in the middle to get the most light, with the rest of the holes capped off.

There are more than one seedling in the cup. You need to gently thin to only one tomato seedling per pod.

I need some better pics of tomatoes in Aerogarden Harvest units.  Does anyone have a pic to share?  Send them my way!

Do you need seeds or seed starter for your project?  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 tomatoes.

 

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

Growing Teachers Throughout the Seasons Workshop on April on Tuesday April 1st

 

Would you like to help teachers increase children’s appreciation for nature and enhance children’s willingness to try new foods through gardening?

Growing Teachers Throughout the Seasons engages teachers and students in 3 growing methods for planting, tending, and harvesting a different food each month September through May.

Participants in this training will gain hands-on experience and “teach-back” practice related to planting, thinning, transplanting, pollinating, and providing taste testing experiences. See the GTS flyers and agenda for more information.

GTS Agenda –> GTS Training_Agenda_March 31 2025

GTS Flyers –> Growing Teachers Throughout the Seasons flyer (1)

Growing Teachers Throughout the Seasons (GTS) was developed by Extension professionals in partnership with the state’s largest school district to engage students in growing foods at school during the school year. Students can plant, maintain, harvest and taste nine varieties from September to May using three growing methods: seed starting under LED lights, raised beds with season extension, and indoor hydroponic units. Supported by a USDA National Institute for Food and Agriculture grant, GTS is data-driven and teacher-informed. GTS resources include a step-by-step guide, 20 free online modules, and a virtual introductory training that support teachers to achieve science, technology, math, and language arts outcomes while fostering agriculture awareness and healthy eating. GTS activities can be adapted for all ages and grade levels.

Space is limited to 10 participants. Register today!  (https://osu.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0cDVe25vegeR1Ou )

When:               Tuesday, April 1 at 9:30am-3:30pm

Where:             OSU 4-H Center (Board Room, 1st floor)

Who:                 Extension Educators, SNAP-Ed staff, community partners who support school gardens

Cost:                 The training is free! Note that lunch will not be provided, so please pack your own.

If possible, purchase the GTS Guidebook at https://extensionpubs.osu.edu/growing-teachers-throughout-the-seasons/ and bring it to the training.

A free set of GTS seeds will be provided!

 

Growing Teachers Throughout the Seasons is the First Place Winner of the 2024 JCEP Bulletin / Educational Guide Award!

Click HERE to register!

School Garden Week of March 3rd, 2025

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: 

  • Wow!  Another week of decent week of weather to go outside and get a harvest.  
  • It looks like you could potentially get a harvest on any day this week but the first half of the week looks better than the second half.
  • If you do want to harvest: Make sure to wait until the season extension garden cover is fully thawed before you pop open and check the plants. The best time to do this will be around mid-day. Replace the season extension garden cover after you harvest to let the heat build back up. 
  • You may have some cold damage but hopefully the cold-hardy spinach and kale made it through OK.  They are pretty tough.  Send me some pics!
  • If your lettuce is ready to go outside under the season extension garden cover, make sure to harden the seedlings off prior to transplanting  I added the transplanting video below to guide you.

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

Here is a video that show how to safely harvest and store your fresh leafy greens

Here is a video on transplanting

Inside under LED lights:  

This month you are maintaining collard greens and lettuce under LED lights for transplanting outside in the raised beds later in the spring.

  • Make sure to fertilize according to the directions with the pink fertilizer.
  • Water as needed.  They are growing fast!
  • Make sure to check and water on Friday before you leave.
  • If they are ready to transplant, see the video and guidance above.
  • Email questions to me at mcdermott.15@osu.edu

All of the seedlings we are planting now can will be able to be transplanted outside later on, or if you want to let them grow indoors until they are harvested you can do that too.

Inside in the Aerogarden:

This month we are planting tomatoes in the Aerogarden.  If you planted herbs in the Aerogarden last semester you will need to clean out the unit before you plant your tomatoes so you can start fresh with a clean Aerogarden.  Follow the instructions for tomato planting carefully, a link to the guide is below. If you need tomato pods then contact Katie.

  • Plant just one tomato pod in the Aerogarden Harvest.
  • Keep the small plastic dome on the pod until germination.
  • Remove the small plastic dome after the seed sprouts.
  • Thin to only one tomato plant in the system.
  • Keep the other holes covered with the black or white plastic caps to keep light from entering into the reservoir with the nutrient system.
  • Make sure you are pruning as directed in the Aerogarden instructions.
  • Make sure to pollinate your flowers to maximize your harvest!
  • Check water levels daily!  The tomatoes are growing fast and using lots of water.

 

One tomato pod in an Aerogarden Harvest centered in the middle to get the most light, with the rest of the holes capped off.

There are more than one seedling in the cup. You need to gently thin to only one tomato seedling per pod.

I need some better pics of tomatoes in Aerogarden Harvest units.  Does anyone have a pic to share?  Send them my way!

Do you need seeds or seed starter for your project?  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 tomatoes.

 

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