Author: Timothy McDermott

School Garden Week of January 27th, 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 we may have a chance at a harvest this week!
  • The polar vortex may have caused some damage to the plants,  they should recover and grow new leaves if the roots are in good shape.
  • The good news is that the snow has been a great insulator for the plants and as it melts, it waters them for you.
  • 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. 
  • The best harvest days look to be Thursday and Friday.

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

 

Inside under LED lights:  

This month’s seed starting under LED lights is lettuce.  If you did not get a chance to plant spinach or kale you can seed start them as well this month.  If you and your kiddos really liked the bok choy and you have the space under your lights and have some bok choy seed left then you can plant that as well.  If you do not have space to plant all of those,  and remember that we will be planting collard greens in pots in February so we need to plan on a little space for them.  Prioritize spinach and kale if you do not have any outside in the raised bed since the kiddos will be tasting them in the next two months. Email questions to me at mcdermott.15@osu.edu

Here is a planting example:

Example: There are 32 pots in the tray.  You could plant 8 lettuce, 8 kale, and 8 spinach now.  Then plant 8 collard greens in February.  Or substitute some bok choy or collard greens in for some of the kale and spinach.  Let me know if you have questions. 

The video below shows how to seed start kale.  It would be the same process for lettuce, bok choy, collard greens, and spinach.  The spinach will take at least a week to germinate however, while the other seeds will germinate in just a few days.

 

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.

Thinning seedlings is very important so that they grow properly without competing with each other.  Here is a thinning video to answer any questions you have.  Remember to bottom water the seedlings prior to thinning so that they slip out OK.  If they are too tangled, gently use scissors to remove the unwanted seedling.

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.

 

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.

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!

Backyard Chicken Keeping Class at the Urban Farm Church on Wednesday February 12th @ 6:00pm

Interest in keeping backyard chickens for eggs, meat, or show has been steadily increasing for the past decade.  I get lots of questions on where how to get started.  Come learn where to get your birds, what to feed them, and how to keep a healthy flock at a free Backyard Chicken Keeping Class hosted by the Urban Farm Church on Wednesday February 12th @ 6pm.  The class is free (super cheep!) but does require registration to plan for snacks!  Bring your friends and your questions!

See you there!

CLICK HERE to Register

CLICK HERE for directions to the Urban Farm Church

School Garden Week of January 20th, 2025

First off, Go Buckeyes!!!

 

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: More Cold!

  • I recommend that you inspect the raised beds to make sure the season extension garden cover is secure. 
  • The good news is that the snow has been a great insulator for the plants and as it melts, it waters them for you.

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

Inside under LED lights:  

This month’s seed starting under LED lights is lettuce.  If you did not get a chance to plant spinach or kale you can seed start them as well this month.  If you and your kiddos really liked the bok choy and you have the space under your lights and have some bok choy seed left then you can plant that as well.  If you do not have space to plant all of those,  and remember that we will be planting collard greens in pots in February so we need to plan on a little space for them.  Prioritize spinach and kale if you do not have any outside in the raised bed since the kiddos will be tasting them in the next two months. Email questions to me at mcdermott.15@osu.edu

Here is a planting example:

Example: There are 32 pots in the tray.  You could plant 8 lettuce, 8 kale, and 8 spinach now.  Then plant 8 collard greens in February.  Or substitute some bok choy or collard greens in for some of the kale and spinach.  Let me know if you have questions. 

The video below shows how to seed start kale.  It would be the same process for lettuce, bok choy, collard greens, and spinach.  The spinach will take at least a week to germinate however, while the other seeds will germinate in just a few days.

 

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.

Thinning seedlings is very important so that they grow properly without competing with each other.  Here is a thinning video to answer any questions you have.  Remember to bottom water the seedlings prior to thinning so that they slip out OK.  If they are too tangled, gently use scissors to remove the unwanted seedling.

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.

 

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

 

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 January 13th, 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: More Cold!

  • I recommend that you inspect the raised beds to make sure the season extension garden cover is secure. 
  • Keep track of the weather on Friday.  If it is actually over 40 degrees and sunny, you may have a chance to peek under the season extension garden cover.  Make sure that the cover is not frozen or you will tear it.  Usually around mid-day is best.  Then replace the cover carefully before you leave for the weekend. 
  • The good news is that the snow has been a great insulator for the plants and as it melts, it waters them for you.

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

Inside under LED lights:  

This month’s seed starting under LED lights is lettuce.  If you did not get a chance to plant spinach or kale you can seed start them as well this month.  If you and your kiddos really liked the bok choy and you have the space under your lights and have some bok choy seed left then you can plant that as well.  If you do not have space to plant all of those,  and remember that we will be planting collard greens in pots in February so we need to plan on a little space for them.  Prioritize spinach and kale if you do not have any outside in the raised bed since the kiddos will be tasting them in the next two months. Email questions to me at mcdermott.15@osu.edu

Here is a planting example:

Example: There are 32 pots in the tray.  You could plant 8 lettuce, 8 kale, and 8 spinach now.  Then plant 8 collard greens in February.  Or substitute some bok choy or collard greens in for some of the kale and spinach.  Let me know if you have questions. 

The video below shows how to seed start kale.  It would be the same process for lettuce, bok choy, collard greens, and spinach.  The spinach will take at least a week to germinate however, while the other seeds will germinate in just a few days.

 

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.

 

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

 

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!

2025 Urban Agriculture Critical Infrastructure Grant Applications are OPEN!

The Franklin County Urban Agriculture Critical Infrastructure grant opened on January 3rd, 2025 and will close January 31st, 2025 at 11:59PM, with grant awards in mid February. The application can be accessed HERE.

Please read all grant resources and info below before submitting your application. Incomplete applications or applications that do not follow directions will not be considered for funding.

Franklin Soil and Water Conservation District is excited to announce another year of the Franklin County Urban Agriculture Critical Infrastructure Grant in partnership with Franklin County Economic Development and Planning! This grant makes $285,000 of federal ARPA funding available to local growers. Each individual organization may apply for up to $15,000 of grant funding or up to $20,000 for water line installation. This grant seeks to strengthen the local food supply chain and support local farmers and is available to both for-profit and non-profit farms, including community gardens and other types of growing operations. Growing operations 5 acres or less are eligible to apply, with additional consideration given to operations under 1 acre. Eligible uses of this grant include infrastructure that helps local farms and community gardens scale up their production and distribution, with examples including but not limited to high tunnels, water service, cold/dry storage, and market stands.

FSWCD would like to thank Franklin County Board of Commissioners, City of Columbus, Franklin Park Conservatory, OSU Extension, Osteopathic Heritage Foundation, the Natural Resources Conservation Service, and the Columbus & Franklin County Local Food Board for their partnership throughout the planning process. This grant was financially assisted by the Franklin County Board of Commissioners and builds on and contributes to the ongoing efforts to implement the Columbus & Franklin County Local Food Action Plan.

Visit the grant page at the Franklin County Soil and Water Conservation District website to learn more.

School Garden Week of January 6th, 2025

Happy New Year and Welcome Back!

 

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:

  • I recommend that you inspect the raised beds to make sure the season extension garden cover is secure. 
  • I recommend that you do not try to open your raised beds this week.  It is too cold to expose the plants and the frozen cover may tear. 

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

Inside under LED lights:  

This month’s seed starting under LED lights is lettuce.  If you did not get a chance to plant spinach or kale you can seed start them as well this month.  If you and your kiddos really liked the bok choy and you have the space under your lights and have some bok choy seed left then you can plant that as well.  If you do not have space to plant all of those,  and remember that we will be planting collard greens in pots in February so we need to plan on a little space for them.  Prioritize spinach and kale if you do not have any outside in the raised bed since the kiddos will be tasting them in the next two months. Email questions to me at mcdermott.15@osu.edu

Here is a planting example:

Example: There are 32 pots in the tray.  You could plant 8 lettuce, 8 kale, and 8 spinach now.  Then plant 8 collard greens in February.  Or substitute some bok choy or collard greens in for some of the kale and spinach.  Let me know if you have questions. 

The video below shows how to seed start kale.  It would be the same process for lettuce, bok choy, collard greens, and spinach.  The spinach will take at least a week to germinate however, while the other seeds will germinate in just a few days.

 

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.

 

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

 

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!

Columbus Expands Composting Program

Food Waste Drop-Off Pilot Program

Nearly 1 million pounds of food waste goes to the Franklin County landfill every single day.

Food waste in the landfill generates potent methane gas — a powerful greenhouse gas that is a major contributor to climate change. Waste diversion is the most efficient way to reduce the amount of emissions generated by landfills, and to reduce demand for landfill space.

Reducing organic waste, specifically food waste, from entering the landfill is a major goal of the Columbus Climate Action Plan. The plan sets ambitious goas to achieve a 45% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2050.

To help reach these goals and make it convenient for residents to compost food scraps, the city is launching a Food Waste Drop-Off Pilot Program with the help of a Community Waste Reduction Grant from the Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio (SWACO).

As an avid composter I applaud the City of Columbus!  Click HERE to learn more about this program.

 

The food scraps drop-off collection sites for Columbus residents’ use are located at:

  • Bill McDonald Athletic Complex, 4990 Olentangy River Rd., 43214
  • Dodge Park and Community Center, 667 Sullivant Ave., 43215
  • Scioto Southland Park, 3901 Parsons Ave., 43207
  • Beatty Park Community Recreation Center, 247 N. Ohio Ave., 43203
  • Northeast Park and Howard Recreation Center, 2505 Cassady Ave., 43219
  • Linden Park Community Center,  1350 Briarwood Ave., 43211
  • Carriage Place Park Community Center, 4900 Sawmill Rd., 43235

School Garden Week of December 16th, 2024

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:

We have gotten great rain this week so far.  That will go a long way towards keeping the plants under the row cover growing.

  • I recommend that you inspect the raised beds to make sure the season extension garden cover is secure. 
  • 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.
  • Otherwise, after you make sure the season extension garden cover is secure, they you should be good to go until after break.

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

Inside in the Aerogarden:

You probably have some plants still growing strong in the Aerogarden.  You have two options heading into break:

  1. You can harvest any produce that is left, then clean out and store the unit until 2025. 
  2. You can take the unit home and enjoy produce over break.  Keep in mind we will need to clean and replant the unit in tomatoes in January. 

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 to harvest all your plants this week and clean out the pots and trays.  The Bootstrap Farmer equipment that the GTS teachers are using can do in the top shelf of the dishwasher.   Getting all the growing materials cleaned this week will allow you to get a head start on growing when you return in 2025!

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

Have a safe and restful Christmas break!

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

School Garden Week of December 9th, 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:

We hopefully get some much needed rain to water our seedling in the raised beds this week.

  • If the rain goes away, I think watering on Monday or Tuesday during the brief warm up would be a great idea.
  • Monday and Tuesday’s warm up is a good time to see how the plants did in the cold and potentially grab a harvest.
  • I recommend that you inspect the raised beds to make sure the season extension garden cover is secure. 
  • 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!

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!