With the end of 2015 in plain sight, it’s time to introduce seeds to first graders at East Avenue Primary. This will be the second year to plant only in the spring with students at the Children’s Garden. This year there are only eleven first grade classes. That means that not all the raised beds will be planted by students. The row of beds closest to the Eggleston House probably will be planted with something different by Master Gardener volunteers.
There are five different sessions with the first graders; all sessions are scheduled on Thursdays. Volunteers will be needed for classroom sessions and garden sessions. In addition to the scheduled dates there are alternate dates provided in case there should be bad weather or an unexpected change in schedule of other school activities.
There are five different sessions with the first graders; all sessions are scheduled on Thursdays. Volunteers will be needed for classroom sessions and garden sessions. In addition to the scheduled dates there are alternate dates provided in case there should be bad weather or an unexpected change in schedule of other school activities.
 Mark your calendars now! | The first classroom session is on January 7 beginning at 9 a.m. (Alternate date is January 14.) The Tiny Seed, written and illustrated by Eric Carle, will be read to the students by the MG volunteer. Students will write their names on wooden egg-shaped markers to be placed at the end of each raised bed. Following this session teachers are encouraged to help their students create plant markers for the seeds they will plant. The second classroom session is January 21 |
beginning at 9 a.m. (Alternate date is January 28.) Using the overhead projector, the MG volunteer will show the students what the inside of a seed looks like. A lima bean experiment jar will be left with each class so students can see the development of the seeds. Each teacher will be given a master copy of “Inside a Seed” booklet for students to use as they explore the seeds’ development. The student-designed plant markers will be picked up by the MG volunteer.
Session #3 is planting seeds at the Children’s Garden on February 4 beginning at noon. (Alternate date is February 11.) Two classes will arrive every twenty minutes to plant seeds for 2 root crops (radishes, carrots) and 2 leaf crops (lettuce, spinach). Each of the four teams in a class will work with one MG volunteer to plant on one-half of a raised bed which will be designated with the student names on the egg-shaped marker.
Session #4 is a visit to the garden on March 3. (Alternate date is March 10.) Beginning at noon two classes arrive every twenty minutes to check the progress/growth of the different crops, notice the difference in the leaves, and observe any variations between the beds.
Session #5 is harvesting the produce from the garden on April 28. (Alternate date is May 5.) Beginning at noon two classes arrive every twenty minutes to harvest the vegetables. Each team of students will work with one MG volunteer. Produce will be divided among students at the garden to take home.
To get the garden ready for planting there will be a work day on Saturday, January 16 at the Children’s Garden to weed, add compost and clean up around the raised beds, put in the string grid for square-foot gardening, and perhaps add another layer of mulch around the beds. We’ll probably start around 10 a.m. Please bring your garden tools. Alternate date for work day is Saturday, January 23.
The students are always very excited to learn about seeds and then to plant and watch the changes that take place.
Session #3 is planting seeds at the Children’s Garden on February 4 beginning at noon. (Alternate date is February 11.) Two classes will arrive every twenty minutes to plant seeds for 2 root crops (radishes, carrots) and 2 leaf crops (lettuce, spinach). Each of the four teams in a class will work with one MG volunteer to plant on one-half of a raised bed which will be designated with the student names on the egg-shaped marker.
Session #4 is a visit to the garden on March 3. (Alternate date is March 10.) Beginning at noon two classes arrive every twenty minutes to check the progress/growth of the different crops, notice the difference in the leaves, and observe any variations between the beds.
Session #5 is harvesting the produce from the garden on April 28. (Alternate date is May 5.) Beginning at noon two classes arrive every twenty minutes to harvest the vegetables. Each team of students will work with one MG volunteer. Produce will be divided among students at the garden to take home.
To get the garden ready for planting there will be a work day on Saturday, January 16 at the Children’s Garden to weed, add compost and clean up around the raised beds, put in the string grid for square-foot gardening, and perhaps add another layer of mulch around the beds. We’ll probably start around 10 a.m. Please bring your garden tools. Alternate date for work day is Saturday, January 23.
The students are always very excited to learn about seeds and then to plant and watch the changes that take place.