Kids Go Green

The best garden has fertile, well-drained soil amended with compost annually. Building raised beds allows the soil to drain faster and warm more quickly in spring. Raised beds usually are at least 2 feet wide and raised at least 6 inches high, but any planting area that’s raised above the surrounding ground level is a raised bed. The bonus to a raised bed is that you won’t be compacting the soil by stepping on it, so your plants will grow stronger. (There are many school districts that give funding for schools that are interested in starting a garden) Students prepare the soil,plant the seeds, water and fertilize as needed, and when it is time for the food to be harvested, they get to do that as well. It is important to know that most vegetables grow best when there is at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. If there is a limited amount of sun, try growing leafy vegetables. A movable garden is alos an option. Plant the seeds into movable containers so that the containers can be moved during the day into sunny areas. It is so much fun to raise your food and get it to the table for a meal.  "Garden to table," the healthy way to live. There are many options when it comes to watching your own food grow, let your students give it a try.