Growing Together: Open Forum

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  • 1.  School Courtyard Garden

    Posted 06-21-2021 06:08:00 AM
     Hello!

    This is my first post.

    Our NJ based elementary school has asked our PTO to assist them with building their courtyard garden. They would like to start with raised garden beds with vegetables (planted from seed in the classroom to start and then transplanted) and from there plant a pollinator garden. I arranged to meet up with the local garden club in a few weeks to ask for guidance. I also have hosted a fundraiser and hope to apply for a few grants for funding. This will be for next school year.

    Does anyone have tips for me as I continue the planning process? I am very excited about this, and also know I have to plan very carefully since this is a blank slate. Thank you!

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    Sarah
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  • 2.  RE: School Courtyard Garden

    Posted 06-21-2021 11:48:00 AM

    Hi Sarah,
    Sounds like you've done some homework already and will be off to a good start. Just a few things to consider, first is do some research on what types of fruits and veggies do well in your "zone" or New Jersey area. Second, pay attention to how the sun shines down on your garden. This will be important to know as you plant certain things. Particularly tall things like peas or corn. You don't want to have them blocking the sun on other things frowning behind them.  


    Enjoy your garden. 



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    Victor Soto
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    Original Message


  • 3.  RE: School Courtyard Garden

    Posted 06-21-2021 12:00:00 PM
    Hi Sarah,

    #1 Know Your Zone -- Get familiar with your growing zone -- not all things will grow in each zone at the same time. Every seed company online has great growing zone info and planting guides.  Cold season plants (like lettuces, greens, and brassicas) will be WONDERFUL in NJ during the school year. 
    #2 Timing Timing Timing --  Since you will be growing during the school year, focus on SHORT SEASON plants -- don't try to grow corn or watermelons, for example, because they won't "make" before the school year ends. 
    #3 Death Happens.  Be sure to educate both the students and the PTO that death is part of gardening. Some seeds won't sprout. Some sprouts will die before transplanting. Most transplanting is done incorrectly (people forget hardening off the plants when going from inside to outside), so quite a few of the plants will die within days of going into the beds. 
    #4 Nature Happens -- Bee stings, slugs, and dirt are integral to the process. 
    #5 VOLUNTEERS are essential -- Get friendly with your local Master Gardeners, they need projects.  And, make certain you have Parent-type people to water and weed the garden beds over the summer. This is where most school gardens fail -- literally and metaphorically. 

    Good luck! 

    --
    Michelle Zupan
    Curator 
    Hickory Hill & the Tom Watson Birthplace
    502 Hickory Hill Drive
    Thomson, GA  30824
    706-595-7777
    FAX: 706-595-7177

    Visit us at www.hickory-hill.org or on Facebook.
    Follow us on Twitter: HHEducation

    Historic homes of the Watson-Brown Foundation, Inc. 






    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: School Courtyard Garden

    Posted 06-21-2021 04:02:00 PM
    https://njaes.rutgers.edu/county/   Your new best friends are your local Extension educators! They have all the information you need for your zone/area, and the service is paid for by your taxes! They can do a site visit and consultation for free. Only soil tests and such have fees, and they are nominal. Reach out for help!

    ------------------------------
    Shelley Mitchell, PhD
    Associate Extension Specialist
    Youth Horticulture
    Dept of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture
    Oklahoma State University
    358 Ag Hall
    Stillwater, OK 74078
    [405-744-5755]
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    Original Message


  • 5.  RE: School Courtyard Garden

    Posted 06-21-2021 10:05:00 PM
    Hi, Sarah!

    My organization, The Bullock Garden Project, helps NJ schools at no cost!  We're currently working with schools around the state.  Please check us out & send me an email (sharris@bullockgardenproject.org) to set up a time to chat!

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    Sonya Harris
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    Original Message


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