School Garden Week of February 5th, 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!

Send me some pics!  I know we have some growing going on right now!


First up a weather report to get us through the week for planning on our season extension:

Wow!

 


Outside in the raised beds:

It is Harvest Week!!  We have great weather to get outside with your kiddos and take a harvest.  Make sure that you try to do this around mid-day,  do not try to open the cover if it is frozen underneath so it does not rip, and then replace the cover when you are done.

If you were unable to plant any kale or spinach seeds outside in the fall, you can try sowing some this week.  Make sure to water the seeds after you plant and then consider one more watering before the end of the week, especially if the rain chances decrease that are predicted.

This week:

  • Monday – too cold today to harvest,  good chance later in week.
  • Tuesday – potential harvest around mid-day,  make sure cover is not frozen.
  • Wednesday – potential harvest around mid-day,  make sure cover is not frozen.
  • Thursday and Friday – looking like they may be great harvest days!

Have questions about how your plants are doing or if they are big enough to harvest?  Just send me questions and pictures to mcdermott.15@osu.edu


Inside under LED lights:  

This month’s seed starting under LED lights is collard greens.   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. It can be a little crowded under the lights right now!  Make sure you have some space to start your collard greens however as they will need started indoors now for a spring harvest.   Email questions to me at mcdermott.15@osu.edu

We have been creating videos to support this project and have 4 done so far at our OSU Extension County YouTube channel.  We get lots of questions about seed starting under the LED lights.  Check out the video below for a super quick, kid-safe (can show in class to your kiddos) seed starting video using the materials you have for the pilot:  The same technique as for kale in the video below works for spinach, collard greens, lettuce, and bok choy.  

 

 

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.  Collard greens may get too large under the lights so plan on a later transplant date.


Inside in the Aerogarden:

Hopefully your tomatoes are doing great.  Let me know if you have any questions or problems.  CLICK HERE for the Aerogarden planting guide. If you need tomato pods then contact Katie.

Basic Aerogarden Tomato Planting

  • 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.

 

If you started in January you should have some tomato seedlings coming up.  Make sure to thin to one tomato plant per pod and with the Aerogarden Harvest, it is best to only have one in the system although I have seen some teachers do two.  Keep in mind if you keep two growing, they will use up water twice as fast and you will need to check and add water twice as much!

Here is an Aerogarden Harvest with one tomato right in the middle under the lights looking great. All the rest of the holes are capped.

The Aerogarden website has a tremendous amount of content to assist with maintenance of the units, troubleshooting problems, or how to take care of the plants in the system.  CHECK IT OUT if you are having problems.

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

Any questions about your growing?  Email me at mcdermott.15@osu.edu

School Garden Week of January 29th, 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!

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

Send me some pics!  I know we have some growing going on right now!


First up a weather report to get us through the week for planning on our season extension:

 


Outside in the raised beds:

We have had a tremendous amount of rain lately.  That means we do not need to water outside right now.

We did have some serious cold for quite a long time so we may have some replanting to do. 

If your plants did not make it then do not worry!  We will be able to still plant and get a harvest in other ways. Let Katie know if you do not have any more spinach or kale seed but still need to plant spinach and kale.  We will be watching for a planting time outside in the raised bed.

If you still are getting your raised bed set up, let me know so we can talk about an individual plan for you at your school.

Otherwise keep the row cover on top of the raised bed and only check when temperatures get close to or above 50 degrees.

This week:

  • I do not recommend you do much outside with your beds this week.  If your bed is in a protected area, it is not frozen, and it warms up a bit, then you can pop the top for a harvest.  Looks like Thursday is our best chance to do that.  Just make sure it is not too cold, and the fabric is not frozen, or it will tear when you try to open it.  Make sure to replace the cover after.

Have questions about how your plants are doing or if they are big enough to harvest?  Just send me questions and pictures to mcdermott.15@osu.edu


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 (on pg. 3 on the GTS manual it states broccoli in March,  but we start collard greens in February and I will remind you all of that) 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. 

We have been creating videos to support this project and have 4 done so far at our OSU Extension County YouTube channel.  We get lots of questions about seed starting under the LED lights.  Check out the video below for a super quick, kid-safe (can show in class to your kiddos) seed starting video using the materials you have for the pilot:  The same technique as for kale in the video below works for spinach, kale, lettuce, and bok choy.  

 

 

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.  CLICK HERE for the Aerogarden planting guide. 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.

The Aerogarden website has a tremendous amount of content to assist with maintenance of the units, troubleshooting problems, or how to take care of the plants in the system.  CHECK IT OUT if you are having problems.

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

Any questions about your growing?  Email me at mcdermott.15@osu.edu

Urban Agriculture Critical Infrastructure Grant RFP Due Soon! Apply by February 1st!

I want to remind everyone that the newly established Franklin County Urban Agriculture Critical Infrastructure grant is accepting applications until February 1st!

To apply for the grant or to get more information (e.g. application questions, scoring criteria, and eligibility requirements), please visit Franklin Soil and Water Conservation District’s website. Additionally, Franklin Soil & Water Conservation District posted the Grant Info Session recording on YouTube!

This grant aims to address a significant funding gap that small growers face when looking to scale up their operations. The current City-County Community Garden Grant continues to be very successful in its purpose, however, the total request amount for this existing grant is capped at $3,000 per applicant and it is only available for nonprofits – so another source of support is needed for local growers who have outgrown the Community Garden Grant and want to scale up their operations. Franklin Soil and Water Conservation District will also provide technical assistance, education, and key third party connections to grantees while ensuring equitable support for socially disadvantaged growers, including BIPOC growers, women growers, and low income growers.

 

 

CLICK HERE to learn more about the grant. 

School Garden Week of January 22nd, 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!

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

 

First up a weather report to get us through the week for planning on our season extension:

 


Outside in the raised beds:

Hopefully everyone’s plants made it through the holiday break under season extension garden cover.  Make sure to do a visual inspection of your outside bed, but do not remove the cover until later in the week.

We have lots of rain in the forecast which will be beneficial to the plants. We did have some serious cold for quite a long time so we may have some replanting to do. 

If your plants did not make it then do not worry!  We will be able to still plant and get a harvest in other ways. Let Katie know if you do not have any more spinach or kale seed but still need to plant spinach and kale.  We will be watching for a planting time outside in the raised bed.

If you still are getting your raised bed set up, let me know so we can talk about an individual plan for you at your school.

Otherwise keep the row cover on top of the raised bed and only check when temperatures get close to or above 50 degrees.

This week:

  • Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday – I recommend leaving the cover in place.  If you do want to check, make sure temperatures are approaching 50 degrees and pop the cover off closer to mid-day when it is warmer.  Replace cover when done.
  • Thursday – stay dry, but this is a good day to potentially check your spinach and kale.
  • Friday – another chance to check under the cover when it gets close to 50 degrees.  Make sure to replace cover before leaving for the weekend.

Have questions about how your plants are doing or if they are big enough to harvest?  Just send me questions and pictures to mcdermott.15@osu.edu


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 (on pg. 3 on the GTS manual it states broccoli in March,  but we start collard greens in February and I will remind you all of that) 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. 

We have been creating videos to support this project and have 4 done so far at our OSU Extension County YouTube channel.  We get lots of questions about seed starting under the LED lights.  Check out the video below for a super quick, kid-safe (can show in class to your kiddos) seed starting video using the materials you have for the pilot:  The same technique as for kale in the video below works for spinach, kale, lettuce, and bok choy.  

 

 

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.  CLICK HERE for the Aerogarden planting guide. 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.

The Aerogarden website has a tremendous amount of content to assist with maintenance of the units, troubleshooting problems, or how to take care of the plants in the system.  CHECK IT OUT if you are having problems.

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

Any questions about your growing?  Email me at mcdermott.15@osu.edu

School Garden Week of January 8th, 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!

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

 

First up a weather report to get us through the week for planning on our season extension:

 


Outside in the raised beds:

Hopefully everyone’s plants made it through the holiday break under season extension garden cover.  Make sure to do a visual inspection of your outside bed, but do not remove the cover.

For this week, I recommend leaving the cover on undisturbed. No need to water when using season extension garden cover as the water passes right through it and we are getting plenty of precipitation plus the plants are growing slowly. If you are using plastic consistently, you may need to water on a day when the temperatures approach 50 degrees. 

If your plants did not make it then do not worry!  We will be able to still plant and get a harvest in other ways. Let Katie know if you do not have any more spinach or kale seed but still need to plant spinach and kale.  We will be watching for a planting time outside in the raised bed.

If you still are getting your raised bed set up, let me know so we can talk about an individual plan for you at your school.

Otherwise keep the row cover on top of the raised bed and only check when temperatures get close to or above 50 degrees.

Have questions about how your plants are doing or if they are big enough to harvest?  Just send me questions and pictures to mcdermott.15@osu.edu


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 (on pg. 3 on the GTS manual it states broccoli in March,  but we start collard greens in February and I will remind you all of that) 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. 

We have been creating videos to support this project and have 4 done so far at our OSU Extension County YouTube channel.  We get lots of questions about seed starting under the LED lights.  Check out the video below for a super quick, kid-safe (can show in class to your kiddos) seed starting video using the materials you have for the pilot:  The same technique as for kale in the video below works for spinach, kale, lettuce, and bok choy.  

 

 

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.  CLICK HERE for the Aerogarden planting guide. 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.

The Aerogarden website has a tremendous amount of content to assist with maintenance of the units, troubleshooting problems, or how to take care of the plants in the system.  CHECK IT OUT if you are having problems.

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

Any questions about your growing?  Email me at mcdermott.15@osu.edu

School Garden Week of December 4th, 2023

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!

 

Thanks for sending me pictures!  I am responding to them as fast as possible.  Keep sending them to me,  I enjoy seeing your progress.


Let’s check out the forecast.

 

I recommend you keep the row cover over your plants due to the overnight temperatures.


Outside in the raised beds:

  • All days this week – keep your beds covered with the season extension garden cover.
  • If you have not had a chance to plant spinach and kale outdoors, you could try to plant on Thursday or Friday but would need to wait until mid-day for the beds to warm up and then cover with the season extension garden cover after you plant. This is probably our last window to plant outdoors in 2023.
  • If the season extension garden cover is frozen, do not try to open it or it may tear.

For CCS teachers if you need soil, seeds, or fertilizer let Katie know.

Thanks to Cedric for the pics of the amazing Bok Choy he is growing with his kiddos at CCPSB.


Inside in the Aerogarden:

Hopefully you have had good germination and are getting good plant growth in your Aerogarden.  Send me some pictures and I will post them in the weekly email.

 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

If you have germination already, you should be thinning to one seedling per pod.  Make sure to cover up the unplanted openings to keep light from the nutrient solution.


Inside under LED lights.  

How are your plants growing under your LED lights?  Send me some pictures and I will use them in the weekly email.  You will need to fertilize every two weeks.  The fertilizer for indoor LED lights is the pink crystals delivered through bottom watering mixed according to the instructions on the package.

Tips on Bottom Watering:  We have been getting lots of questions regarding bottom watering.  Here is a step by step look at the process:

  1. Be sure to bottom water twice per week under the LED.  Watering before you leave school on Friday is recommended as one of the times.
  2. Remove the insert tray holding the pots from the the bottom tray.
  3. Fill the bottom tray half full of water.
  4. Place the pots in the water so that they can absorb water through the holes on the bottom of the pots to fully hydrate the soil.
  5. Leave them in the water for about 30 minutes until fully hydrated.
  6. Dump the extra water from the bottom tray.
  7. Replace the insert tray into the bottom tray and put the pots back into the insert tray to drain.
  8. Every two weeks add fertilizer to the bottom water according to the label.

Check out this portion of the seed starting video that shows bottom watering.

 

  • Check below for thinning pictures.  The seedlings are kale, but the technique is the same.  Bottom water if you are going to gently pull the seedling from the pot as it will slide out of moist soil.  If the seedlings are too mature, or too close together, then trim the seedlings off at the soil level with scissors.
  • As your plants grow, keep the seedlings within a few inches of the LED light panel so that they do not get too leggy.

I planted three seeds and all three germinated. I need to thin to one seedling. Any of them would make a good plant, but if I keep all of them they will compete. I need to thin to a single plant in the pot.

 


At the Professional Development: Advanced Ag in the Classroom event a couple months ago I showed some alternate ways to grow some different varieties of vegetables, including potatoes.  I thought I would give you an update:

The potatoes are growing like crazy, I need to raise the lights.

 

The potato flowers are emerging. I will not be too much longer that we should have a harvest.


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!

School Garden Week of November 27th, 2023

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!

 

Thanks for sending me pictures!  I am responding to them as fast as possible.  Keep sending them to me,  I enjoy seeing your progress.


Let’s check out the forecast.

 

I recommend you keep the row cover over your plants due to the overnight temperatures.


Outside in the raised beds:

This month is planting of spinach and kale.

This week planting recommendations:

  • All days this week – keep your beds covered with the season extension garden cover.
  • If you have not had a chance to plant spinach and kale outdoors, you could try to plant on Thursday but would need to wait until mid-day for the beds to warm up and then cover with the season extension garden cover after you plant. This is probably our last window to plant outdoors in 2023.
  • If the season extension garden cover is frozen, do not try to open it or it may tear.

For CCS teachers if you need soil, seeds, or fertilizer let Katie know.

Thanks to Cedric for the pics of the amazing Bok Choy he is growing with his kiddos at CCPSB.


Inside in the Aerogarden:

Hopefully you have had good germination and are getting good plant growth in your Aerogarden.  Send me some pictures and I will post them in the weekly email.

 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

If you have germination already, you should be thinning to one seedling per pod.  Make sure to cover up the unplanted openings to keep light from the nutrient solution.


Inside under LED lights.  

How are your plants growing under your LED lights?  Send me some pictures and I will use them in the weekly email.  You will need to fertilize every two weeks.  The fertilizer for indoor LED lights is the pink crystals delivered through bottom watering mixed according to the instructions on the package.

Tips on Bottom Watering:  We have been getting lots of questions regarding bottom watering.  Here is a step by step look at the process:

  1. Be sure to bottom water twice per week under the LED.  Watering before you leave school on Friday is recommended as one of the times.
  2. Remove the insert tray holding the pots from the the bottom tray.
  3. Fill the bottom tray half full of water.
  4. Place the pots in the water so that they can absorb water through the holes on the bottom of the pots to fully hydrate the soil.
  5. Leave them in the water for about 30 minutes until fully hydrated.
  6. Dump the extra water from the bottom tray.
  7. Replace the insert tray into the bottom tray and put the pots back into the insert tray to drain.
  8. Every two weeks add fertilizer to the bottom water according to the label.

Check out this portion of the seed starting video that shows bottom watering.

 

  • Check below for thinning pictures.  The seedlings are kale, but the technique is the same.  Bottom water if you are going to gently pull the seedling from the pot as it will slide out of moist soil.  If the seedlings are too mature, or too close together, then trim the seedlings off at the soil level with scissors.
  • As your plants grow, keep the seedlings within a few inches of the LED light panel so that they do not get too leggy.

I planted three seeds and all three germinated. I need to thin to one seedling. Any of them would make a good plant, but if I keep all of them they will compete. I need to thin to a single plant in the pot.

 

 


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!

School Garden Week of November 13, 2023

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!

 

Thanks for sending me pictures!  I am responding to them as fast as possible.  Keep sending them to me,  I enjoy seeing your progress.


Let’s check out the forecast.

 

I recommend you keep the row cover over your plants due to the overnight temperatures.  There are good opportunities to plant or check existing plants.  There is very little rain in the forecast so water new seeds daily until germination and water growing plants at least twice per week.  Try to make one of the watering days be Friday, if it does not rain, so it is watered over the weekend.


Outside in the raised beds:

This month is planting of spinach and kale.

This week planting recommendations:

  • All days this week – keep your beds covered with the season extension garden cover.
  • All days are good planting days for spinach and kale,  make sure to water your seeds after planting to promote good germination.
  • If you want to pop the top on row cover to take a quick peek, any day will work this week, just wait until closer to mid-day so that the micro-environment warms up. Just be sure to cover back up when done viewing the garden.
  • If the season extension garden cover is frozen, do not try to open it or it may tear.

For CCS teachers if you need soil, seeds, or fertilizer let Katie know.


Inside in the Aerogarden:

Hopefully you have had good germination and are getting good plant growth in your Aerogarden.  Send me some pictures and I will post them in the weekly email.

 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

If you have germination already, you should be thinning to one seedling per pod.  Make sure to cover up the unplanted openings to keep light from the nutrient solution.

There are three basil seedlings in this pod. They need to be thinned until there is one left.


Inside under LED lights.  

How are your plants growing under your LED lights?  Send me some pictures and I will use them in the weekly email.  You will need to fertilize every two weeks.  The fertilizer for indoor LED lights is the pink crystals delivered through bottom watering mixed according to the instructions on the package.

Tips on Bottom Watering:  We have been getting lots of questions regarding bottom watering.  Here is a step by step look at the process:

  1. Be sure to bottom water twice per week under the LED.  Watering before you leave school on Friday is recommended as one of the times.
  2. Remove the insert tray holding the pots from the the bottom tray.
  3. Fill the bottom tray half full of water.
  4. Place the pots in the water so that they can absorb water through the holes on the bottom of the pots to fully hydrate the soil.
  5. Leave them in the water for about 30 minutes until fully hydrated.
  6. Dump the extra water from the bottom tray.
  7. Replace the insert tray into the bottom tray and put the pots back into the insert tray to drain.
  8. Every two weeks add fertilizer to the bottom water according to the label.

Check out this portion of the seed starting video that shows bottom watering.

 

Tips for early seedling care. 

Check out the seed starting video for the technique.  It is kale in the video, but the technique is the same:

  • Check below for thinning pictures.  The seedlings are kale, but the technique is the same.  Bottom water if you are going to gently pull the seedling from the pot as it will slide out of moist soil.  If the seedlings are too mature, or too close together, then trim the seedlings off at the soil level with scissors.
  • As your plants grow, keep the seedlings within a few inches of the LED light panel so that they do not get too leggy.

I planted three seeds and all three germinated. I need to thin to one seedling. Any of them would make a good plant, but if I keep all of them they will compete. I need to thin to a single plant in the pot.

 

Thinned to a single strong seedling that can grow to maturity and harvest in the pot, or can be transplanted outside.

If you have transplants ready to go outside,  here is a video to watch with your kiddos to guide you on that process:

It is getting close to Thanksgiving break.  If you have good growth in your Aerogarden and you are really careful, you may want to consider taking it home if the break is a long one like last year.  I will have guidance on the indoor and outdoor growth in raised beds and under the lights. 

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!

School Garden Week of November 6th, 2023

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!

 

Thanks for sending me pictures!  I am responding to them as fast as possible.  Keep sending them to me,  I enjoy seeing your progress.


Let’s check out the forecast.

I recommend you keep the row cover over your plants due to the overnight temperatures.  There are good opportunities to plant or check existing plants.  There is no rain on the forecast so water new seeds daily until germination and water growing plants at least twice per week.  Try to make one of the watering days be Friday so it is watered over the weekend.


Outside in the raised beds:

This month is planting of spinach and kale.

This week planting recommendations:

  • All days this week – keep your beds covered with the season extension garden cover.
  • All days are good planting days for spinach and kale,  make sure to water your seeds after planting to promote good germination.
  • Cover your beds with season extension garden cover Friday before you leave school if the weather changes and gets cold like it did this past weekend.
  • If you want to pop the top on row cover to take a quick peek, any day will work this week, just wait until closer to mid-day so that the micro-environment warms up. Just be sure to cover back up when done viewing the garden.
  • If the season extension garden cover is frozen, do not try to open it or it may tear.

For CCS teachers if you need soil, seeds, or fertilizer let Katie know.


Inside in the Aerogarden:

Hopefully you have had good germination and are getting good plant growth in your Aerogarden.  Send me some pictures and I will post them in the weekly email.

 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

If you have germination already, you should be thinning to one seedling per pod.  Make sure to cover up the unplanted openings to keep light from the nutrient solution.

There are three basil seedlings in this pod. They need to be thinned until there is one left.


Inside under LED lights.  

How are your plants growing under your LED lights?  Send me some pictures and I will use them in the weekly email.  You will need to fertilize every two weeks.  The fertilizer for indoor LED lights is the pink crystals delivered through bottom watering mixed according to the instructions on the package.

Tips on Bottom Watering:  We have been getting lots of questions regarding bottom watering.  Here is a step by step look at the process:

  1. Be sure to bottom water twice per week under the LED.  Watering before you leave school on Friday is recommended as one of the times.
  2. Remove the insert tray holding the pots from the the bottom tray.
  3. Fill the bottom tray half full of water.
  4. Place the pots in the water so that they can absorb water through the holes on the bottom of the pots to fully hydrate the soil.
  5. Leave them in the water for about 30 minutes until fully hydrated.
  6. Dump the extra water from the bottom tray.
  7. Replace the insert tray into the bottom tray and put the pots back into the insert tray to drain.
  8. Every two weeks add fertilizer to the bottom water according to the label.

Check out this portion of the seed starting video that shows bottom watering.

 

Tips for early seedling care. 

Check out the seed starting video for the technique.  It is kale in the video, but the technique is the same:

  • Check below for thinning pictures.  The seedlings are kale, but the technique is the same.  Bottom water if you are going to gently pull the seedling from the pot as it will slide out of moist soil.  If the seedlings are too mature, or too close together, then trim the seedlings off at the soil level with scissors.
  • As your plants grow, keep the seedlings within a few inches of the LED light panel so that they do not get too leggy.

I planted three seeds and all three germinated. I need to thin to one seedling. Any of them would make a good plant, but if I keep all of them they will compete. I need to thin to a single plant in the pot.

 

Thinned to a single strong seedling that can grow to maturity and harvest in the pot, or can be transplanted outside.

If you have transplants ready to go outside,  here is a video to watch with your kiddos to guide you on that process:

We had a fun PD recently with some new methods to grow.  Here are some pics for you to enjoy of some alternate ways to grow in hydroponics in your classroom.

Here is a Miracle Gro 12 unit growing at Berwick K-8. Looking great and growing marigold, poppy, spinach, and turnip. Looking forward to seeing how they grow.


The tower garden is growing like crazy!

 

We will have snap peas to eat soon. Peas are self-pollinating.

 


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!

School Garden Week of October 30th, 2023

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!

 

Thanks for sending me pictures!  I am responding to them as fast as possible.  Keep sending them to me,  I enjoy seeing your progress.


Let’s check out the forecast.

 

It looks like our nice weather is taking a break this week.  You will need to cover up your raised beds today with season extension garden cover.  If you have plastic, it would not be a bad idea to cover your beds with the plastic overnight as well.  Make sure if you cover with plastic overnight that you remove the plastic in the morning on the sunny days or it might get too hot for your plants. 

  


Outside in the raised beds:

This month is planting of spinach and kale.

This week planting recommendations:

  • Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday,  and Friday – keep your beds covered with the season extension garden cover.
  • Thursday and Friday – good planting days for spinach and kale,  make sure to water your seeds after planting to promote good germination.
  • If the season extension garden cover is frozen, do not try to open it or it may tear.
  • Cover your beds with season extension garden cover Friday before you leave school if the weather changes and gets cold like it did this past weekend.

For CCS teachers if you need soil, seeds, or fertilizer let Katie know.


Inside in the Aerogarden:

Hopefully you have had good germination and are getting good plant growth in your Aerogarden.  Send me some pictures and I will post them in the weekly email.

 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

If you have germination already, you should be thinning to one seedling per pod.  Make sure to cover up the unplanted openings to keep light from the nutrient solution.

There are three basil seedlings in this pod. They need to be thinned until there is one left.


Inside under LED lights.  

How are your plants growing under your LED lights?  Send me some pictures and I will use them in the weekly email.  You will need to fertilize every two weeks.  The fertilizer for indoor LED lights is the pink crystals delivered through bottom watering mixed according to the instructions on the package.

Tips on Bottom Watering:  We have been getting lots of questions regarding bottom watering.  Here is a step by step look at the process:

  1. Be sure to bottom water twice per week under the LED.  Watering before you leave school on Friday is recommended as one of the times.
  2. Remove the insert tray holding the pots from the the bottom tray.
  3. Fill the bottom tray half full of water.
  4. Place the pots in the water so that they can absorb water through the holes on the bottom of the pots to fully hydrate the soil.
  5. Leave them in the water for about 30 minutes until fully hydrated.
  6. Dump the extra water from the bottom tray.
  7. Replace the insert tray into the bottom tray and put the pots back into the insert tray to drain.
  8. Every two weeks add fertilizer to the bottom water according to the label.

 

Tips for good germination and growth:

  • October is Bok Choy planting time under the LED lights.

Check out the seed starting video for the technique.  It is kale in the video, but the technique is the same as they are cousins.

  • Remove the humidity dome after germination.
  • If you do not have a humidity dome, you can use plastic wrap to lightly cover to provide humidity for germination.  Uncover the plastic wrap after seed germinate.
  • Check below for thinning pictures.  The seedlings are kale, but the technique is the same.  Bottom water if you are going to gently pull the seedling from the pot as it will slide out of moist soil.  If the seedlings are too mature, or too close together, then trim the seedlings off at the soil level with scissors.
  • As your plants grow, keep the seedlings within a few inches of the LED light panel so that they do not get too leggy.

I planted three seeds and all three germinated. I need to thin to one seedling. Any of them would make a good plant, but if I keep all of them they will compete. I need to thin to a single plant in the pot.

 

Thinned to a single strong seedling that can grow to maturity and harvest in the pot, or can be transplanted outside.

If you have transplants ready to go outside,  here is a video to watch with your kiddos to guide you on that process:

We had a fun PD recently with some new methods to grow.  Here are some pics for you to enjoy of some alternate ways to grow in hydroponics in your classroom.

Here is a Miracle Gro 12 unit growing at Berwick K-8. Looking great and growing marigold, poppy, spinach, and turnip. Looking forward to seeing how they grow.


The tower garden is growing like crazy!

 

We will have snap peas to eat soon. Peas are self-pollinating.

 


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!