Early Childhood Gardening

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  • 1.  Soil

    Posted 08-19-2024 05:43:00 PM

    What soil is approved and Safe  to use with pre-k children



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    Jennifer Barnes
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  • 2.  RE: Soil

    Posted 08-22-2024 10:11:00 AM

    Hi Jennifer!

    Are you asking about soil for an outdoor raised garden or in ground garden?  Or are you asking about potting soil mix for indoor growing or a container garden?  And what kind of space are you growing in?  Home, school or other?



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    Sarah Pounders
    Senior Education Specialist
    The Woodlands TX
    8324186540
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  • 3.  RE: Soil

    Posted 08-23-2024 07:13:00 PM

    Hi I'm in a public school preschool. We have outdoor 6ft oval metal raised beds. 



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    Jennifer Barnes
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  • 4.  RE: Soil

    Posted 08-26-2024 11:02:00 AM

    So since you are at a public school, you could start by checking to see if your school district has any guidelines or preferred soil suppliers. Although not all will, that is always a good place to start.  With any outdoor garden, good quality soil that is high in organic matter like compost will really help give your garden a good foundation.  If you have a lot of beds, buying it in bulk is usually cheaper than buying it in bags (like if you need a cubic yard or more of soil).  I have found that contacting your local Master Gardeners/Extension office can be a good way to get recommendations for buying soil in bulk if your school district does not already have a suggestion because Master Gardeners buy a lot of soil and really shop around.  Most counties in the US have an Extension office or regional Extension office.  You can just google your county and "Extension Office" or this page should have a link for you too:  https://extension.org/find-cooperative-extension-in-your-state/.  If you don't have that many raised beds then just buying soil in bags might be cheaper,  I would look for organic raised bed garden soil.  If you are concerned some kids may put the soil in their mouth, then I would avoid any soil that includes slow release fertilizer in a pellet form.  The pellets usually have a round shape and sometimes the color stands out from the rest of the soil so they can grab the attention of young children.  If you are concerned some of your kids may have skin irritation or sensory issues, there are some fairly inexpensive gloves out there (I highly recommend ones that you can throw in a washing machine to wash). I know that we are all spread out across the country, but if you share the general location you are in, you might be able to get some suggestions from other members on the KGC. 



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    Sarah Pounders
    Senior Education Specialist
    The Woodlands TX
    8324186540
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