Tags: All-Seasons, All-Grades, Planting seeds, planting transplants, garden layout, garden design
Time : 30 mins
Author: Kristin Adams Link
OUTLINE
| Greeting and Review | SONG: Sing and motion “Dig, dig, dig the earth, then we plant our seeds. Gentle rain and warm sunshine will help our plants succeed” (Sung to Row, Row, Row Your Boat)
Review last week’s lesson with a few questions or sentences. Maybe review the Garden rules too. |
| Main Lesson | Prepare the garden bed for planting seeds and/or transplants. Decide which plants they want to grow and where they will be set out (provide a few options if they are younger) |
| Activity 1 | Map garden bed and vote on what to plant
Materials Needed: seed/plant markers, dry erase +marker or a clipboard for voting, a photo of what they are voting on (this especially important for younger ones, I like to use the seed packets since they have pictures on the front), a map with the shape of their garden bed on it. |
| Activity 2 | Prepare the garden bed
Materials Needed: digging forks, seed/plant markers, shovels, compost, watering cans |
| Cleanup | Allow 5-8 mins for cleanup |
| Goodbye | Circle up in the clock area and thank them for the work they did (be specific). End with the same goodbye each class. |
| External References | Planting guide |
| Worksheets | None |
If you have additional time you can go over the areas in the ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES section.
ACTIVITY 1: MAP GARDEN BED AND VOTE ON WHAT TO PLANT
- The class will vote on transplants they want based on what is available. Fall: Broccoli, Cauliflower, Kale or Brussel Sprouts, flowers like Marigolds, Spring (Tomato, cucumber, peppers, eggplant, basil, herbs)
- The class will vote on which seeds to use- Fall (Kale, Chard, beets, carrots, peas, wildflowers for Spring), Spring (Basil, parsley, cilantro)
- The class can vote to participate in the Garden to Cafe Program and if they decide in participating they can dedicate a plant or two for the program. Vegetable and Fruit list for Garden to Cafe program.
- Materials Needed: seed/plant markers, dry erase + marker, and a photo of what they are voting on (this especially important for younger ones). I like to use the seed packets since they usually have pictures on the front.
ACTIVITY 2 : PREPARE GARDEN BED
- Loosen the soil. Remove any rocks, weeds, debris, etc.
- Mix in Compost and water the bed with a small sprinkler (turn on before the end of class, turn off when you leave)
- Mark the bed with the plant and seed labels based on what they voted on. Next time your bed will be ready for planting.
- Materials Needed: digging forks, seed/plant markers
ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES:
- Add stepping stones or bricks to allow kids to step into the garden
- Make your own plant markers (Ex: paint plant names and/or pictures on a rock)
- Higher grades can create a bar graph to illustrate the results of voting.
- Discuss some of the recipes using the seedlings/seeds just planted. For example: broccoli and cheese muffins, broccoli pasta, raw broccoli with dressing.
- Essentials for plant growth – nutrients from the soil (Compost adds nutrients, water and sunlight)
- Benefits of planting seasonal vegetables and why we can’t grow certain plants in winter or summer. Zucchini and watermelons like lots of sun, whereas broccoli, chard, and kale like cold and taste sweet when there is frost.
- Ask about their favorite recipes and talk about whether the recipes can be modified to use the plants/seeds they just planted.
- Community Help – Garden can always use extra watering of beds.
CLEANUP & GOODBYE
- Allot 5-8 mins for any cleanup – put away supplies and tools listed in the materials listed.
- Return to Circle for a quick goodbye.
- Ex: End with “We look forward to seeing you in the Green Classroom next (Fri)day”, then give high fives on the way out of the gate.
REFERENCES
WORKSHEET LINKS
None
This is our second class for the kindergarten. We are also planning to make smoothies by asking children to contribute a fruit or vegetable for the smoothies.