First Planting of the Year

On Wednesday, February 1, the 1^st grade student from Spooner Elementary began planting lettuce. Thanks to the assistance of our wonderful Master Gardener Volunteers the students learned how to plant seeds. The students got a chance to feel the soil and to observe the process of planting. They saw how seeds, soil, and materials can be purchased to plant at home. They also learned how deep to plant the seeds, when they need to be planted, and how many days it takes for the plants to mature.

The students planted two different varieties of lettuce, both green and red lettuce. The seeds were planted in flats placed in the grow cart at the elementary school, this will allow the students the ability to continually view the plants as they grow. It will take approximately 35-40 days for the lettuce to fully mature. This is a little shorter than if it were planted outside, since we can optimize the growing conditions indoors. Once the lettuce has fully matured the students will harvest the lettuce to make a salad, which they can all share. This way the students play a significant role in the planting, growing, and harvesting of the leafy vegetables.

Leafy vegetables are important because they have the highest amount of nutrition per calorie of any vegetable. They are an excellent source of Vitamin A, beta-carotene, as the lettuce leafs are a storehouse for the plants photochemicals. Leafy greens are also a rich source of vitamin K, which plays an important role in bone health. This is why it has been suggested from many health groups to have a salad of leafy vegetables with each meal.

What's Growing in the Grow Cart?

Herbs, the fourth grade students planted a wonderful indoor herb garden in the grow cart. While the cold Wisconsin weather keeps us from enjoying a walk through the garden. An indoor herb garden will liven up the halls. While the beautiful green plants are appealing to the eye, the smell of fresh herbs will perk up the nose.

The students planted two groups, the first coming from our school gardens where they grew through out the summer. These herb plants were split and some moved indoors. The students had an enjoyable evening learning how to split plants, replant them, and the difference between outdoor and indoor (sterile) potting soil. This group included: mint, chocolate mint, italian (flat leaf) parsley, thyme, sage, and basil. What a blast it will be to harvest the herbs for recipes during the fall and winter months.

The second group was planted from seed. We can't wait to watch them grow, in the first week we have already gotten wonderful sprouts. Once the plants become large enough the students will replant them in individual conatiners to take home and use. Winter will be much tastier with the addition of these incredible herbs. The students also planted some zinnias to have an even more colorful fall.

Starting Tomatoes & Peppers

April 18th -- Today kids planted tomatoes & peppers. They had several varieties to choose from. Craft sticks are used to label the plants. The seedlings went into our new garden cart in the school lobby.

The North Country Master Gardener Association received a grant from the Wisconsin Master Gardeners group to support 4-H Afterschool gardening. NCMG used the funds to purchase materials for this garden cart complete with grow lights and a timer.

The cart was set-up in the front hallway by the office where families could watch the progress of the plants.