It’s a brand-new year for First Academy and with it comes a new school garden program! This year a small group of students will care for the garden and share the bounty with fellow students. First, they amended the beds with fresh soil, then begin the transplanting process.
Final step, water. Can’t wait to see how the seeds and seedlings sprout with this new crop of students. I’m sure they will be as amazing as those students who gardened before them…
Nothing like running your fingers through inky black soil and compost. It’s what your plants are craving most–thank you Black Kow for the generous donation!
They thoroughly enjoyed the process of starting their school garden off on the right foot with a blend of composted cow manure and bedding mix.
The beds were lined with weed cloth and filled to the brim. However, not before the students “mixed well.”
This cowboy raked the soil smooth adding that beautiful final touch!
The garden is conveniently located by the outdoor “cafeteria” allowing students to truly enjoy the “farm-to-table” lifestyle.
It was a job well done. January 2019 marks the beginning of planting where cool season crops will take center stage. Potatoes, anyone?
Spring garden progress equates to a delightful harvest session in the garden. As you recall, the students planted potatoes and now it’s time to “hill” them.
Drawing dirt up and around the base of the plant (forming a hill) will encourage new growth which means more potatoes.
And more growth leads to more harvest–of every kind! Why, look how happy this young lady is to have planted lettuce. This young fellow is all smiles…
For a different reason. He’s discovered that the garden is full of healthy and hospitable soil. Earthworms are a wonderful find! Almost as delightful as the harvest itself.
Out with the old, in with the new. Upon harvest, it’s time to fill the spot with something new. How about tomatoes?
They like it warm, but they do need moisture so water in well. That way you’ll be certain to see another successful harvest day in the garden.
And that’s what it’s all about. Plant, harvest, eat and repeat.
Thanks to a generous donation from Lowe’s, these students are planting anew for the 2019-20 school season.
Planted tomatoes, peppers, corn, beans, squash, cucumbers and melons. Talk about progress–the photos below are 2 months post planting. Wow.
The broccoli, cabbage, mustards and Bok Choy are fabulous!
And the Bok Choy is ready for harvest. Way to go FA students!
The okra crop is pretty impressive, too. No blooms, yet, but we’re watching and waiting. Plus, there is some very healthy mint growing in the corner of the okra bed.
Our corn plants aren’t as tall and robust as the okra, but what beautiful petite specimens they are, despite the fact.
Beautiful. And because we’re having such a good time out in the garden, the students are adding parsley and basil. Empty soil spot? Let’s fill it!
That’s cucumber to the left, and tomato to the right. Keep feeding and they’ll keep growing.
Awesome. The students also harvested some of their beans and intend to taste-test them along with the bounty of Bok Choy. We’ll keep you posted on the results!
The students love the Bok Choy. Plus, they joined in the fun at our Student Farmer’s Market.
Go First Academy! Great job and great times.