Growing Together: Open Forum

Hi Everyone! 

We have been asked to plan for an outdoor cooking classroom. We are planning on doing a lot of no heat cooking, but have an Eagle Scout who is building a rinse / harvest table. We have a water source and cooking supplies, etc. but need some inspiration on the design we want to go for. Does anyone have any photos of a a space like this to share? Thanks for helping us GROW!

Kim

I don't think ours is a good one to share but given what we have worked with I could make some suggestions?  If you can have a large sink with two sides and counter on both sides, it would be ideal.  If you can get hot water even better.  We used to have a double sink like you'd see in a restaurant kitchen and then when the garden area was moved, they put in a new sink but didn't ask me first what size or style.  The current one only has one regular kitchen size basin and a small counter on one side.  Also if you have room for a table or counter adjoining or near the sink it is nice in case you have more than a few people cutting.

i found some knives with sheaths that are great so that you don't have unprotected knives laying around.

I had a county office of education staff person visit my garden and she suggested I find out how to peplum the water from the sink drain to be able to water things like fruit trees when we have a harvest day or generally use the sink.  I haven't figure that out yet but I am guessing we could connect something with a shut off valve and just turn it on when we want to water things or shut it off if the water will have anything in it that isn't good for the trees (vinegar or soap etc).

if it's unprotected, having something to store hand soap or basics in they can stay by the sink but not get dirty/dusty/sun baked is a good idea.  
some sort of roofing would be good.  A school that I visited has an outdoor classroom space that is fully covered with tables and seating.  I don't think it had a kitchen space but it could.  Then even if it's raining you can harvest and keep kids dry if the weather isn't too bad.  
If you can't do that then a table with umbrella or some sort of shade covering at the sink is nice.  

our sink can have someone standin behind it to help control the faucet.  I just realized that this is helpful when an adult can't otherwise get to the sink due to many kids in the way.  You can just go behind and then turn down the water or access it for yourself etc.

just some thoughts to add to your brainstorming!