Growing in the Learning Garden is underway!
Thank you to everyone who brought in their clean plastic pint containers. Those, along with milk cartons from the lunchroom have been put to use for seed starting. Back in March students in 2nd, 4th and 5th grade started seeds indoors and many other classrooms have started seeds as well.
The students worked to provide the right amount of light and water to the seedlings to encourage their growth. And seedlings started indoors are in the process of being hardened off for a few hours outdoors most days. This helps the plants grow strong stems to hold up to the natural elements, and curious hands from our kids, once they are planted outdoors.
The Outdoor Learning Spaces Committee received seed donations from High Mowing Seed Co. and Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Co. and once soil was delivered the classrooms got started with their indoor seedlings.
Funds from the Big Green Jumpstart Grant were used to purchase grow lights, lap trays, shelving, and picnic blankets for flexible seating to support the learning that happens in the garden.
Some seed varieties are sown directly into the garden. These plants are quick growing and often have delicate root systems making transplanting a risk. Some of the plants started indoors didn’t make it long, and that is all part of the process of starting seeds!
Here’s what to look for in the garden this year:
Red Scarlet Zinnia
Genevese Basil
Sweet Thai Basil
Lemon Basil
Santo Cilantro
Italian Parsley
Rosemary
Thyme
Greensleeves Dill
Toma Verde Tomatillo
Sweetie Cherry Tomato
Chadwick Cherry Tomatoes
Candlelight Hot Peppers
Bullnose Sweet Peppers
Strawberry Watermelon
Kajari Melon
Crystal Apple Cucumbers
China Jade Cucumbers
Buhl Sweet Corn
Birdhouse Gourds
Marigolds
Strawberry Spinach
Onions
Mustard Greens
Chinese Broccoli
Albino Beets
Lolla Rosa Lettuce
Sensational Blend Cosmos
Pacific Beauty Calendula
Green Towers Romaine
The care and keeping of our learning garden requires the support of our whole Hamilton community. Since most of the growing happens during the summer we need families to volunteer to help tend the gardens.
Volunteers will need to water in the morning, and sometimes in the evening if the weather is particularly hot. Weed control is important as well. But anything you can harvest from the garden is fair game! Help yourself.
If you are interested in helping to tend the Learning Garden this summer please fill out this form and the Outdoor Learning Spaces Committee will be in touch with more information.