kinderGARDEN

Every year as part of community outreach and support of local ventures I invite an organic expat farmer to come and teach my class and the school gardening club about airpruning method of gardening. We learn about roots, pots, hydroponics and the nutrients in soil. He comes on a weekly basis with seedlings and a wealth of knowledge and humour.

Annually, around March, students in my class prepare the garden by planting seedlings indoors, and then moving them outside when the ground thaws. The sensory and tactile benefits help calm the soul and the bacterial from the soil builds the immune system while one feels connected with nature. There is an amazing sense of achievement for students to see the process of plants, and mastering in harvesting from the plants they planted.

In the spring, the tulip bulbs finally pop up from having planted them in the fall and having hibernated over winter. It is wonderful for the students to see. It is a nice surprise and reminder of their hard work before the winter.

Before the end of the school year there is always produce to harvest. Students proudly bring home vegetables they planted in the early spring. Harvest continues on all summer through until Nomvember once we experience the first frost. The excitement of gathering, picking and unearthing is always a thrilling experiencing that is exciting for students.