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 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, which looks to be either Wednesday or Thursday this week.
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:
You can harvest any produce that is left, then clean out and store the unit until 2025.
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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
Make sure you are harvesting often! I have had 4 basil harvest from my hydroponic unit so far and it still looks like a jungle! This also keeps the plants under the lights.
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!
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!
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.
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.
Make sure you are harvesting often! I have had 4 basil harvest from my hydroponic unit so far and it still looks like a jungle! This also keeps the plants under the lights.
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!
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.
MODULE ALERT! –> OSU migrated the modules to a new online platform. They are now live and can be subscribed to. Unfortunately there is a $10 cost to access the modules due to the new migration.
We are looking for ways to mitigate this and have started to populate a location on the Farm to School Website that is free. CLICK HERE to access that site.
If you have next week off, take this week to make plans for your plants! You can take the Aerogarden home with you if needed and make sure to water the outside plants this Friday before you leave. Have a safe and restful Thanksgiving holiday.
Let’s take a look at this weeks weather:
Outside in the raised beds:
There are some tasks we are looking to get started outdoors this week if possible. Some action items for those who are using GTS:
This month is planting spinach and kale outdoors. After our cold start to the week, if you still need to plant, there will be better planting days around mid-week. If you have not had a chance to plant, I recommend you still get some seeds in the ground. Getting seeds started is the goal now as they will grow over winter for January and February harvest.
Add a little fertilizer prior to seeding the raised beds so that the spinach and kale can use that to grow.
Make sure to water the seed bed until your seeds germinate. Kale germinates quickly, usually in a few days, spinach can easily take a week until you see germination.
Make sure you have your season extension garden cover and low tunnels good to go as we need them for the cold overnights. I recommend you use the cover this entire week and likely for the rest of the winter.
Otherwise we have some good growing weather this week!
You may be getting a harvest now, Send me pics of your produce!! Make sure to let the season extension garden cover thaw before you try to open the cover to water or to harvest. Around mid-day is best. Then replace the cover.
I got some questions about the hardening off process. There is a great video that I linked below, in the online GTS modules.
If you have any transplants that need to go outside, wait until mid-day to put them out, water them in deeply, then cover the raised bed with season extension garden cover.
Inside in the Aerogarden:
It is time to get some herbs started in the Aerogarden! Make sure you have seed pods and fertilizer. Any CCS teachers who need supplies should contact Katie.
You should be starting to get some good growth in the aerogarden. Make sure that you are checking the water level regularly, and add water when needed. Make sure to check on Friday before you leave for the weekend.
Harvest frequently to keep the plants under the light canopy!
Inside under LED lights.
We should have Bok Choy growing under the lights right now. They can be transplanted into the raised beds or you can mature them under the lights. Check out the transplanting video above for guidance.
If you are still starting seeds under the lights, then make sure you have all of the pots, seed starting mix, lights, cord and timers needed for indoor planting. I have a video below that will help you with direct sowing seeds in pots.
Even though the video shows kale being planted, the technique is the same for bok choy.
Remove the humidity dome after germination.
Thin to one seedling per pot as shown in the video.
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!
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.
MODULE ALERT! –> OSU migrated the modules to a new online platform. They are now live and can be subscribed to. Unfortunately there is a $10 cost to access the modules due to the new migration.
We are looking for ways to mitigate this and have started to populate a location on the Farm to School Website that is free. CLICK HERE to access that site.
Let’s take a look at this weeks weather: How about Ohio going from snow to 60 within the week!
Outside in the raised beds:
There are some tasks we are looking to get started outdoors this week if possible. Some action items for those who are using GTS:
This month is planting spinach and kale outdoors. After our cold start to the week, if you still need to plant, there will be better planting days around mid-week.
Add a little fertilizer prior to seeding the raised beds so that the spinach and kale can use that to grow.
Make sure to water the seed bed until your seeds germinate. Kale germinates quickly, usually in a few days, spinach can easily take a week until you see germination.
Make sure you have your season extension garden cover and low tunnels good to go as we need them for the cold overnights. I recommend you use the cover this entire week and likely for the rest of the winter.
Otherwise we have some good growing weather this week!
You may be getting a harvest now, Send me pics of your produce!! Make sure to let the season extension garden cover thaw before you try to open the cover to water or to harvest. Around mid-day is best. Then replace the cover.
I got some questions about the hardening off process. There is a great video that I linked below, in the online GTS modules.
If you have any transplants that need to go outside, wait until mid-day to put them out, water them in deeply, then cover the raised bed with season extension garden cover.
Inside in the Aerogarden:
It is time to get some herbs started in the Aerogarden! Make sure you have seed pods and fertilizer. Any CCS teachers who need supplies should contact Katie.
You should be starting to get some good growth in the aerogarden. Make sure that you are checking the water level regularly, and add water when needed. Make sure to check on Friday before you leave for the weekend.
Harvest frequently to keep the plants under the light canopy!
Inside under LED lights.
We should have Bok Choy growing under the lights right now. They can be transplanted into the raised beds or you can mature them under the lights. Check out the transplanting video above for guidance.
If you are still starting seeds under the lights, then make sure you have all of the pots, seed starting mix, lights, cord and timers needed for indoor planting. I have a video below that will help you with direct sowing seeds in pots.
Even though the video shows kale being planted, the technique is the same for bok choy.
Remove the humidity dome after germination.
Thin to one seedling per pot as shown in the video.
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!
I will be teaching a class on Indoor Growing Using Hydroponics at the Grandview Heights Public Library on Thursday November 6th @ 6:30pm. We will discuss the basics of hydroponics, what type of systems are out there, and what varieties of fruit, vegetable, and herbs you can grow indoors at home. The event is free and open to the public so bring your friends and your questions!
CLICK HERE for directions to the Grandview Heights Public Library.
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!
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.
MODULE ALERT! –> OSU migrated the modules to a new online platform. They are now live and can be subscribed to. Unfortunately there is a $10 cost to access the modules due to the new migration.
We are looking for ways to mitigate this and have started to populate a location on the Farm to School Website that is free. CLICK HERE to access that site.
Let’s look at this weeks weather:
Make sure to have the season extension garden cover over your plants this week!
This Week Outdoors
We got decent rain yesterday so your plants should have a pretty good week of growing.
Consider another round of watering by the end of the week if your soil seems dry.
Make sure to use the fertilizer to feed the plants as directed.
You may be getting a harvest now, Send me pics of your produce!!
Here is a quick and engaging video with information on best varieties to seed or plant directly.
Inside in the Aerogarden:
It is time to get some herbs started in the Aerogarden! Make sure you have seed pods and fertilizer. Any CCS teachers who need supplies should contact Katie.
You should be starting to get some good growth in the aerogarden. Make sure that you are checking the water level regularly, and add water when needed. Make sure to check on Friday before you leave for the weekend.
Inside under LED lights.
Our October Seed Starting is Bok Choy and it needs to be started right away. Check out the seed starting video below which uses kale, but works the exact same for Bok Choy.
Make sure you have all of the pots, seed starting mix, lights, cord and timers needed for indoor planting. We can direct sow cilantro in 2″ pots for either growing and harvesting indoors or for transplanting outdoors. I have a video below that will help you with direct sowing seeds in pots.
Even though the video shows kale being planted, the technique is the same for bok choy.
Remove the humidity dome after germination.
Thin to one seedling per pot as shown in the video.
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!
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!
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.
MODULE ALERT! –> OSU migrated the modules to a new online platform. They are now live and can be subscribed to. Unfortunately there is a $10 cost to access the modules due to the new migration.
We are looking for ways to mitigate this and have started to populate a location on the Farm to School Website that is free. CLICK HERE to access that site.
It looks like a great week for growing!
You probably do not need to use the season extension garden cover, but it will not hurt if you leave it on, and will protect the veggies and herbs.
This Week Outdoors
We got several inches last week, but we have no rain in the forecast so I recommend you water this week one to two times. Friday would be a good time to water as we get some heat next weekend.
You probably do not need to use the season extension garden cover, but it will not hurt if you leave it on, and will protect the veggies and herbs.
Make sure to use the fertilizer to feed the plants as directed.
You may be getting a harvest now, Send me pics of your produce!!
Here is a quick and engaging video with information on best varieties to seed or plant directly.
Inside in the Aerogarden:
It is time to get some herbs started in the Aerogarden! Make sure you have seed pods and fertilizer. Any CCS teachers who need supplies should contact Katie.
You should be starting to get some good growth in the aerogarden. Make sure that you are checking the water level regularly, and add water when needed. Make sure to check on Friday before you leave for the weekend.
Inside under LED lights.
Our October Seed Starting is Bok Choy and it needs to be started right away. Check out the seed starting video below which uses kale, but works the exact same for Bok Choy.
Make sure you have all of the pots, seed starting mix, lights, cord and timers needed for indoor planting. We can direct sow cilantro in 2″ pots for either growing and harvesting indoors or for transplanting outdoors. I have a video below that will help you with direct sowing seeds in pots.
Even though the video shows kale being planted, the technique is the same for bok choy.
Remove the humidity dome after germination.
Thin to one seedling per pot as shown in the video.
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!
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!
Let’s check out the forecast.
A great week to plant although pretty darn hot! Make sure to keep watering until germination as we have no rain at all in the forecast. Normally you would not need to keep watering your plants outdoors at this point, but I recommend you water at least twice per week after germination. Friday is always a good watering day since you are leaving for the weekend.
Outside in the raised beds:
There are some tasks we are looking to get started outdoors this week if possible. Some action items for those who are using GTS:
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.
MODULE ALERT! –> OSU migrated the modules to a new online platform. They are now live and can be subscribed to. Unfortunately there is a $10 cost to access the modules due to the new migration.
We are looking for ways to mitigate this and have started to populate a location on the Farm to School Website that is free. CLICK HERE to access that site.
Uncover your raised bed by removing the black plastic if you covered the beds over the summer. Add soil if needed to bring the level up.
Save the black plastic! Fold it up and store it for use at the end of May next year.
Add some fertilizer according to the label on the package.
For GTS we are planting radishes, cilantro, and peas outdoors in the raised bed. Other veggies that could be seeded if you have the seeds would be leafy greens, carrots, and green onions.
Plant according to seed size. We plant seeds about 3 times as deep as the seeds are large. Radish and cilantro seeds are tiny so they are planted only about 1/4 inch deep. Peas are larger so they are planted about 1 inch deep.
Make sure to thin your seedlings when they come up so that they end up about 3-4 inches apart.
Water as needed, but likely once or twice a week based on rain until harvest.
For CCS teachers if you need soil, seeds, or fertilizer let Katie know.
If you did not cover your raised bed make sure to remove all the weeds in the bed before you start!
Do you need to get raised beds started and want to learn how to do that? I made a quick little video to walk you through the process.
Here is a quick and engaging video with information on best varieties to seed or plant directly.
There is no need to use the season extension garden cover for frost protection at this time.
Inside in the Aerogarden:
It is time to get some herbs started in the Aerogarden! Make sure you have seed pods and fertilizer. Any CCS teachers who need supplies should contact Katie.
Remove the humidity dome when you see the seedlings germinate
Thin the seedlings to one per pod so they do not compete.
Make sure to harvest to keep the herbs under the light canopy.
Inside under LED lights.
Make sure you have all of the pots, seed starting mix, lights, cord and timers needed for indoor planting. We can direct sow cilantro in 2″ pots for either growing and harvesting indoors or for transplanting outdoors. I have a video below that will help you with direct sowing seeds in pots.
Even though the video shows kale being planted, the technique is the same for cilantro.
Remove the humidity dome after germination.
Thin to one seedling per pot as shown in the video.
Make sure you are using the fertilizer according to the package to maintain good growth.
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!
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!
Let’s check out the forecast.
A great week to plant! Make sure to keep watering until germination if we do not get the potential rain in the forecast.
Outside in the raised beds:
There are some tasks we are looking to get started outdoors this week if possible. Some action items for those who are using GTS:
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.
MODULE ALERT! –> OSU migrated the modules to a new online platform. They are now live and can be subscribed to. Unfortunately there is a $10 cost to access the modules due to the new migration. We are looking for ways to mitigate this so I will keep you posted as soon as I know more.
Uncover your raised bed by removing the black plastic if you covered the beds over the summer. Add soil if needed to bring the level up.
Save the black plastic! Fold it up and store it for use at the end of May next year.
Add some fertilizer according to the label on the package.
For GTS we are planting radishes, cilantro, and peas outdoors in the raised bed. Other veggies that could be seeded if you have the seeds would be leafy greens, carrots, and green onions.
Plant according to seed size. We plant seeds about 3 times as deep as the seeds are large. Radish and cilantro seeds are tiny so they are planted only about 1/4 inch deep. Peas are larger so they are planted about 1 inch deep.
Make sure to thin your seedlings when they come up so that they end up about 3-4 inches apart.
Water as needed, but likely once or twice a week based on rain until harvest.
For CCS teachers if you need soil, seeds, or fertilizer let Katie know.
If you did not cover your raised bed make sure to remove all the weeds in the bed before you start!
Do you need to get raised beds started and want to learn how to do that? I made a quick little video to walk you through the process.
Here is a quick and engaging video with information on best varieties to seed or plant directly.
Inside in the Aerogarden:
It is time to get some herbs started in the Aerogarden! Make sure you have seed pods and fertilizer. Any CCS teachers who need supplies should contact Katie.
Remove the humidity dome when you see the seedlings germinate
Thin the seedlings to one per pod so they do not compete.
Make sure to harvest to keep the herbs under the light canopy.
Inside under LED lights.
Make sure you have all of the pots, seed starting mix, lights, cord and timers needed for indoor planting. We can direct sow cilantro in 2″ pots for either growing and harvesting indoors or for transplanting outdoors. I have a video below that will help you with direct sowing seeds in pots.
Even though the video shows kale being planted, the technique is the same for cilantro.
Remove the humidity dome after germination.
Thin to one seedling per pot as shown in the video.
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!
