Audience: Community Gardener

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!

Soil Health/Testing Workshop on March 20th, 2025 at 6pm in collaboration with Franklin Soil and Water Conservation District and NRCS.

Attention urban farmers and community gardeners!  There will be a soil health/soil testing workshop held at the OSU Extension Franklin County building on Thursday March 20th, 2025.  This class is free although space is limited so registration is required.  We will discuss soil health and how to interpret a soil test, as well as hear about programs that can benefit your production from the Franklin Soil and Water Conservation District and the National Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).  We will also distribute one free soil test kit to each community garden and urban farm to provide guidance on this years fertility.

To register, use the QR code in the flyer, or CLICK HERE.

Location: Kunz Brundige Franklin Co. Extension Building, 2548 Carmack Rd. Columbus, OH 43210.

Due to construction at Waterman Farm, we will provide parking guidance closer to the event.

Digging In: Community Garden Class Series at the OSUMC Healthy Community Center from March to September

I will be partnering with the OSUMC Healthy Community Center in the near East side for a series of community garden programs held on a Wednesday each month from March through September.  The classes are free and open to the public but they do ask for registration due to the classroom size.  The first class will be Seed Starting on Wednesday March 12th from 6-7pm.  Bring your friends and your questions!  You can use the flyer QR code to register, the go link at go.osu.edu/HCCgardenseries,  or can CLICK HERE to register.  Scroll down to pick the Seed Starting class plus check out all of the educational opportunities that they have at the Center.

Click HERE to view, print, or download the flyer –> HCC 2025 Garden Series

School Garden Week of February 24, 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!  We finally get a 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!

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 collard greens, for transplanting outside in the raised beds later in the spring. 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. Email questions to me at mcdermott.15@osu.edu

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.
  • Make sure you are pruning as directed in the Aerogarden instructions.
  • Make sure to pollinate your flowers to maximize your harvest!

 

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!

2025 Community Garden Grants are open!

The City of Columbus, Franklin County/Franklin Park Conservatory and Scotts Miracle-Gro is please to announce the 2025 Community Garden Grant application!

The Columbus Foundation assists these funding partners in administering this grant application and payment process. TCF launched a new application platform in 2024, so please read the following information carefully before you begin the application process.

  • If your organization has received a grant from The Columbus Foundation in the past for any type of grant, your organization already has a profile. If you believe your organization already has a profile to apply for grants, please contact grants@columbusfoundation.org to set up your account. Be sure to include your first and last name, email address organization’s name and tax ID number (EIN) in the message.
  • If you know your organization’s login, please enter your credentials and log in. If you forgot your password, please use the Forgot Your Password link.
  • If your organization is working with a fiscal sponsor to apply for grants it is now required that the fiscal sponsor submits your applications. This means that a representative from your fiscal sponsor must register their organization first and then invite you to collaborate on appropriate applications so you can provide information about your project or program. If you have questions about this process, please email grants@columbusfoundation.org.
  • If your organization is new to The Columbus Foundation, you may create your organization’s profile in the link below.

 

 

NOTE: Please do not wait until the last minute to start your application. It could take up to 1-2 business days for TCF to set up your account, so please build in enough time to allow for the initial login process. We recommend you set up your account immediately to avoid being shut out of the application. The deadline will not be extended.

The 2025 Community Garden Grant application will open on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, and close on Friday, March 21, 2025. Grant decisions will be finalized by Friday, April 7, 2025. You will be notified via email of the funder’s decisions on monetary and product decisions.

Scotts Miracle-Gro is proud to be providing donated product again 2025. Please use the 2025 Product Worksheet linked in the application to assist you with your requests. The maximum amount of product is $300. Your totals will be adjusted if your requests exceed this amount.  Product pick up information will be provided at a later date.

LINK TO COMMUNITY GARDEN GRANT LANDING PAGE & APPLICATION: https://columbusfoundation.org/nonprofit-center/grant-opportunities/columbus-foundation-grants/operating-and-program-support/community-garden-grants

Please send all technical questions to grants@columbusfoundation.org.

School Garden Week of February 17, 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:

  • This looks like we may just want to leave the beds closed and growing.  
  • 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. 

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 collard greens, for transplanting outside in the raised beds later in the spring. 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. Email questions to me at mcdermott.15@osu.edu

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.
  • Make sure you are pruning as directed in the Aerogarden instructions.
  • Make sure to pollinate your flowers to maximize your harvest!

 

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!

2025 East Ohio Women in Agriculture Conference on March 21, 2025

East Ohio Women in Agriculture Conference Celebrates 10 Years

 

WOOSTER, OHIO-For the 10th year, Ohio State University (OSU) Extension will empower women, high school-age and beyond through its East Ohio Women in Agriculture Conference. The event will take place on March 21, 2025, from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm at the Shisler Conference Center 1680 Madison Ave., Wooster, OH 44691.

 

This year’s program will feature 24 break-out sessions in 6 tracks including: Plants, Animals, Business & Marketing, Home & Family, Special Interest, and Personal Development. These informative and interactive sessions are presented by Ohio State University Extension educators, farmers, industry professionals, and partner agencies.

 

We are thrilled to have international speaker, author, and farm coach, Elaine Froese, at our conference this spring. She’s on a mission to guide farm families, across North America, to get unstuck, communicate better, find harmony through understanding, and secure a profitable farm legacy. Elaine is traveling from her home farm in Manitoba, Canada to speak with us! She will share a special keynote about Living an Intentional Life, will teach a breakout session to help tackle tough family conversations, and will have Coach on Call individual sessions available throughout the day. Every participant will also receive two of Elaine’s books in electronic format and a hard copy of Elaine’s book, “Farming’s In-Law Factor.” You can learn more about Elaine Froese at elainefroese.com.

 

“This conference connects women of all ages to not only each other but also to meaningful informational resources for their journey in agriculture.” Kelsie Mannasmith, Ohio State student said, “Through Elaine Froese and other guest presenters the 10th anniversary will help women continue, or even begin their paths in agriculture.”

Registration information can be found at: go.osu.edu/eowiareg25. Cost of the conference is $70 for adult participants and $35 for students, including participation, breakfast, lunch and conference materials. Deadline for registration is Friday, March 7.

 

Learn about sponsorship opportunities at go.osu.edu/eowiasponsor25 or contact Emily Marrison with sponsorship questions at 740-622-2265 or marrison.12@osu.edu.

Stay connected with the Ohio Women in Agriculture Leaming network on Facebook at @OHwomeninag or subscribe to the Ohio Women in Agriculture blog site at u.osu.edu/ohwomeninag.

For more information about this conference contact Kate Shumaker, Extension Educator, at 330-674-3015 or shumaker.68@osu.edu.

Check out the session descriptions below.

Click here to view, download, or print the flyer –> 2025 EOWIA Conference Flyer

Click HERE to register

Spring Garden Planning and Planting Class at the Mt. Carmel Healthy Living Center on Tuesday February 25th at 2pm.

I will be teaching a class on Planning and Planting Your Spring Garden in partnership with the Mt. Carmel Healthy Living Center, 777 West State St.,  on Tuesday February 25th at 2:00pm.

Do you want to learn how to get started in spring veggie gardening? We will talk site selection, soil testing, season extension, and what to plant, plus take all your questions.  The class is free and open to the public but they do ask for registration to ensure there is enough space.  Bring your friends and your questions and hope to see you there!

 

Check out the registration link below to register for this class as well as view a ton of other free learning opportunities.

CLICK this LINK to Register -scroll down to find the class

CLICK HERE for directions to the center