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Daycare Center and Family Home Forum>Organic Gardening Preschool Theme Your Ideas Please!
SunshineMama 07:07 AM 03-26-2012
I am really excited to do an organic vegetable and herb garden with the kids this year!
I'm looking for any tips or advice, stories, etc from any of you who have done this in the past.
What was successful? What would you do different? Any awesome lesson plans or ideas that you liked?
*I am not very great at gardening, so this is also an experiement for me (so gardening tips are also welcome)
Today we started our indoor greenhouse, so I have time to plan out a plot, etc.
I'm looking for any tips or advice, stories, etc from any of you who have done this in the past.
What was successful? What would you do different? Any awesome lesson plans or ideas that you liked?
*I am not very great at gardening, so this is also an experiement for me (so gardening tips are also welcome)
Today we started our indoor greenhouse, so I have time to plan out a plot, etc.
VTMom 07:21 AM 03-26-2012
This year I bought a CSA at our local organic farmer. I'm planning on doing weekly trips with the kids to pick up our produce and eggs, along with having our own garden. I think it'll be great to have the kids see where the food actually comes from. Having that connection from farm to table is so important (in my opinion).
SunshineMama 09:03 AM 03-26-2012
Originally Posted by VTMom:
This year I bought a CSA at our local organic farmer. I'm planning on doing weekly trips with the kids to pick up our produce and eggs, along with having our own garden. I think it'll be great to have the kids see where the food actually comes from. Having that connection from farm to table is so important (in my opinion).
That sounds like so much fun! My group is too big for me to transport on my own for something like that, but I am a full supporter of a CSA! I love the idea of kids knowing where their food came from (besides a pastic package).This year I bought a CSA at our local organic farmer. I'm planning on doing weekly trips with the kids to pick up our produce and eggs, along with having our own garden. I think it'll be great to have the kids see where the food actually comes from. Having that connection from farm to table is so important (in my opinion).
meganlavonnesmommy 09:28 AM 03-26-2012
I'm horrible at growing things. But a daycare provider friend posted this, and it looks fun.
http://www.southernplate.com/2009/05...0-minutes.html
kiddy pools are super cheap this time of year. You could even do it with smaller clear rubbermaid type totes, then you can see the dirt and roots,
and have several smaller ones.
http://www.southernplate.com/2009/05...0-minutes.html
kiddy pools are super cheap this time of year. You could even do it with smaller clear rubbermaid type totes, then you can see the dirt and roots,
and have several smaller ones.
Kim 09:51 AM 03-26-2012
Originally Posted by meganlavonnesmommy:
I'm horrible at growing things. But a daycare provider friend posted this, and it looks fun.
http://www.southernplate.com/2009/05...0-minutes.html
kiddy pools are super cheap this time of year. You could even do it with smaller clear rubbermaid type totes, then you can see the dirt and roots,
and have several smaller ones.
That is such an awesome idea! I have an old kiddie pool in the shed and I am SO doing this! Thanks for sharing!I'm horrible at growing things. But a daycare provider friend posted this, and it looks fun.
http://www.southernplate.com/2009/05...0-minutes.html
kiddy pools are super cheap this time of year. You could even do it with smaller clear rubbermaid type totes, then you can see the dirt and roots,
and have several smaller ones.
SunshineMama 09:52 AM 03-26-2012
I am going to try this as well. Thanks!
Ariana 09:56 AM 03-26-2012
I'm going to be doing this as well! I have never done it before so I'm a newbie too 
I started Tomatoe plants inside with an Aerogarden and we've got tomatoes already!!
I also got an idea from a blog to have a water barrel for rain water that the kids can access with watering cans. That way they can go and fill up their cans with water and water freely while outside. I loved this idea! Saves me from getting the hose out and "wasting" water.
I started Tomatoe plants inside with an Aerogarden and we've got tomatoes already!!I also got an idea from a blog to have a water barrel for rain water that the kids can access with watering cans. That way they can go and fill up their cans with water and water freely while outside. I loved this idea! Saves me from getting the hose out and "wasting" water.
MNMum 11:20 AM 03-26-2012
I cut and pasted this from the link above:
Why I Chose To Make My Gardens In Kiddie Pools
My ideal raised bed garden would have a wood frame, about 4 feet by 4 feet or two 2 by 4 feet frames and be twelve inches deep. However, there exist among us three types of women.
Type 1 : Declares that she wants a raised bed garden. She writes up a list of supplies, goes to the store and gathers them, comes home and builds it. (You go, girl!)
Type 2: Declares that she wants a raised bed garden. She batts her lashes at various individuals who step forward to build it for her with gladness in their hearts at being able to do such a task on her behalf (meet my sister).
Type 3: Declares that she wants a raised bed garden and hears crickets. She begs and pleads for a raised bed garden to be built and hardly an eyebrow raises. She extols the virtues of a raised bed garden to the rooftops and …is told that they sell tomatoes and bell peppers at nearby grocery stores.
I am currently working on Type 2 with my husband...we have the wood in the basement, needs to be cut and nailed together...
I bought the book Square Foot Gardening. He does all the background work for you. In years past we have had a huge garden. We moved and don't have as much space. I loved it, but it was almost impossible to keep up with the weeds. I think I could keep up with these 4 x4 ft raised beds. They hopefully won't get trampled on. And they will look neater. The author recommends actually making a grid with wooden slats, and then tells you how many of each vegetable (or flower) you can successfully grow in each 1 ft section.
Why I Chose To Make My Gardens In Kiddie Pools
My ideal raised bed garden would have a wood frame, about 4 feet by 4 feet or two 2 by 4 feet frames and be twelve inches deep. However, there exist among us three types of women.
Type 1 : Declares that she wants a raised bed garden. She writes up a list of supplies, goes to the store and gathers them, comes home and builds it. (You go, girl!)
Type 2: Declares that she wants a raised bed garden. She batts her lashes at various individuals who step forward to build it for her with gladness in their hearts at being able to do such a task on her behalf (meet my sister).
Type 3: Declares that she wants a raised bed garden and hears crickets. She begs and pleads for a raised bed garden to be built and hardly an eyebrow raises. She extols the virtues of a raised bed garden to the rooftops and …is told that they sell tomatoes and bell peppers at nearby grocery stores.
I am currently working on Type 2 with my husband...we have the wood in the basement, needs to be cut and nailed together...
I bought the book Square Foot Gardening. He does all the background work for you. In years past we have had a huge garden. We moved and don't have as much space. I loved it, but it was almost impossible to keep up with the weeds. I think I could keep up with these 4 x4 ft raised beds. They hopefully won't get trampled on. And they will look neater. The author recommends actually making a grid with wooden slats, and then tells you how many of each vegetable (or flower) you can successfully grow in each 1 ft section.
itlw8 11:31 AM 03-26-2012
I do not do organic gardening but my kids grow sunflowers. green beans, radishes and marigolds. each year. all are easy plants to grow.
The USDA has a program you can order on gardening it is free.
The USDA has a program you can order on gardening it is free.
SD DaycareMOM 11:53 AM 03-26-2012
My dckids and I planted a garden last year and it was one of my favorite experiences with them so far!!! Every bit of it felt like such a great learning experience. They helped plant, care for, harvest, and eat everything we grew. It was so much fun to hear "Can we go check on our garden?" every day. We are definately doing it again this year! Some of the kids have already started asking about it.
When it was time to plant last year, I had them all gather around out by our garden plot and I would open a package (behind my back so they couldn't see it), pour out a few seeds, and have them try to guess what kind of seeds they were. We had already discussed what we would be planting, and they helped choose what to plant. After each package, I would help one child plant a row(each child planted one row), and then go back and do the guessing game again. THis kept most of them interested throughout the process.
Last year we did corn, carrots, lettuce, green beans, peas, sunflowers, and mini pumpkins. This year they have asked if we can try potatoes and tomatoes, too.
Here is a post from Teach Preschool that I really liked about exploring seeds with kids. Would be fun for right before planting. http://www.teachpreschool.org/2012/0...dening-center/
Have fun gardening!
We are definately doing it again this year! Some of the kids have already started asking about it. When it was time to plant last year, I had them all gather around out by our garden plot and I would open a package (behind my back so they couldn't see it), pour out a few seeds, and have them try to guess what kind of seeds they were. We had already discussed what we would be planting, and they helped choose what to plant. After each package, I would help one child plant a row(each child planted one row), and then go back and do the guessing game again. THis kept most of them interested throughout the process.
Last year we did corn, carrots, lettuce, green beans, peas, sunflowers, and mini pumpkins. This year they have asked if we can try potatoes and tomatoes, too.
Here is a post from Teach Preschool that I really liked about exploring seeds with kids. Would be fun for right before planting. http://www.teachpreschool.org/2012/0...dening-center/
Have fun gardening!
Countrygal 11:54 AM 03-26-2012
Do you mean actual organic gardening or chemical and pesticide-free gardening? To actually be classified as "organic" there are all kinds of regulations and certifications you must meet.
The kids and I have planted two gardens so far, I'll try to take a pic of them to put on here. I do pesticide-free, but I do fertilize. I try to make my own compost as much as I can, but sometimes I have to add some commercial fertilizer to my big garden.
So, thoughts I had would be that you have a compost pile started ahead of time so you have some fertilizer available. Be sure to thin enough. My mistake is always trying to leave too much in too small of a space. Can't grow much in a 4X4 spot. Maybe stick to small easy-to-grow things like radishes, maybe a bean plant or two, herbs, lettuce, etc. I thought it'd be fun to have a "salad" garden - everything to make salads for the summer in one garden - and other than that, just have FUN!
The kids and I have planted two gardens so far, I'll try to take a pic of them to put on here. I do pesticide-free, but I do fertilize. I try to make my own compost as much as I can, but sometimes I have to add some commercial fertilizer to my big garden.
So, thoughts I had would be that you have a compost pile started ahead of time so you have some fertilizer available. Be sure to thin enough. My mistake is always trying to leave too much in too small of a space. Can't grow much in a 4X4 spot. Maybe stick to small easy-to-grow things like radishes, maybe a bean plant or two, herbs, lettuce, etc. I thought it'd be fun to have a "salad" garden - everything to make salads for the summer in one garden - and other than that, just have FUN!
kendallina 12:55 PM 03-26-2012
One thing I just did with the kiddos was to compare an organic apple and a 'regular' apple with the kids. We looked at the size, color and shapes. Then we made predictions of when they would start to rot (this was after talking about what organic vs. non-organic meant). We're still observing our non-organic apple, it's been 4 weeks and it's only now slightly mushy. The organic apple was a little mushy after a week. The kids loved it and I think they really are starting to understand some of these things--it helps that many of the parents buy organic and talk about the same things.
AmyLeigh 01:24 PM 03-26-2012
Originally Posted by VTMom:
This year I bought a CSA at our local organic farmer. I'm planning on doing weekly trips with the kids to pick up our produce and eggs, along with having our own garden. I think it'll be great to have the kids see where the food actually comes from. Having that connection from farm to table is so important (in my opinion).
We are doing this too! Last year, we partook in gardening classes at an organic farm next door to the CSA. We got to plant, weed, and harvest wonderful organic produce. The kids loved going out there until it started getting hot. I grew tired of the constant complaints from dcks, which started my kiddos complaining. That's when I started going out on Saturdays by myself and took them during the week for just a short outing. So CSA it is this year. We can still go out, get the same varities of produce and feed the chickens and goats. The work can still happen, in our backyard garden which is much closer to an air conditioned house! This year I bought a CSA at our local organic farmer. I'm planning on doing weekly trips with the kids to pick up our produce and eggs, along with having our own garden. I think it'll be great to have the kids see where the food actually comes from. Having that connection from farm to table is so important (in my opinion).
Bella99 01:30 PM 03-26-2012
You can buy herb gardening kits at walmart. Just a little easier than figuring it all out on your own, because they come with instructions.
Maybe when they're all grown, you can make a meal that everyone is apart of, using these gardening ingredients you've grown.
(p.s, go for mint first!!)
Just a little easier than figuring it all out on your own, because they come with instructions. Maybe when they're all grown, you can make a meal that everyone is apart of, using these gardening ingredients you've grown.
(p.s, go for mint first!!)
smb757 08:17 PM 03-26-2012
I started a square foot garden last year. I'm sure it will take some trial and error, but I did well with my cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, and zucchini. This year I plan to put up a little fence Because the rabbits went to town on my lettuce and green beans! The kids love helping me go out and tend to the garden!
Bella99 09:05 PM 03-26-2012
Originally Posted by smb757:
I started a square foot garden last year. I'm sure it will take some trial and error, but I did well with my cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, and zucchini. This year I plan to put up a little fence Because the rabbits went to town on my lettuce and green beans! The kids love helping me go out and tend to the garden!
Dehydrated coyote/fox/wolf urine. Keeps the bunnies away I started a square foot garden last year. I'm sure it will take some trial and error, but I did well with my cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, and zucchini. This year I plan to put up a little fence Because the rabbits went to town on my lettuce and green beans! The kids love helping me go out and tend to the garden!
(I used to have a bunny, and my own garden was eaten by wild rabbits, so I researched what to use but also be able to allow my bun outside. They hate the smell, so they'll stay away)
smb757 09:11 PM 03-26-2012
Thanks! I'll have to look into that! I did brush my cats and put their loose fur on my garden, not sure if that actually helped because it was way after the fact.
melskids 03:10 AM 03-27-2012
my grandfather used to hang bars of irish spring soap (the original green ones) in the garden. He swore it worked to keep the animals out.
He also hung empty pie tins. They bang against the pole and scare animals away.
You can also stick pinwheels in the ground. The vibrations the pinwheel sends through the ground while spinning keeps moles away.
I don't know if these things TRULY work, but he had an awesome garden every year.
He also hung empty pie tins. They bang against the pole and scare animals away.
You can also stick pinwheels in the ground. The vibrations the pinwheel sends through the ground while spinning keeps moles away.
I don't know if these things TRULY work, but he had an awesome garden every year.
SunshineMama 04:06 AM 03-27-2012
Originally Posted by Countrygal:
Do you mean actual organic gardening or chemical and pesticide-free gardening? To actually be classified as "organic" there are all kinds of regulations and certifications you must meet.
The kids and I have planted two gardens so far, I'll try to take a pic of them to put on here. I do pesticide-free, but I do fertilize. I try to make my own compost as much as I can, but sometimes I have to add some commercial fertilizer to my big garden.
So, thoughts I had would be that you have a compost pile started ahead of time so you have some fertilizer available. Be sure to thin enough. My mistake is always trying to leave too much in too small of a space. Can't grow much in a 4X4 spot. Maybe stick to small easy-to-grow things like radishes, maybe a bean plant or two, herbs, lettuce, etc. I thought it'd be fun to have a "salad" garden - everything to make salads for the summer in one garden - and other than that, just have FUN!
I have not looked up all of the USDA guidelines, but I am gardening organic seeds in the soil and compost bin in my backyard, and I dont intend on using any pesticides. Do I don't know if that is allowed to be called "organic" gardening or if it is just pesticide free Do you mean actual organic gardening or chemical and pesticide-free gardening? To actually be classified as "organic" there are all kinds of regulations and certifications you must meet.
The kids and I have planted two gardens so far, I'll try to take a pic of them to put on here. I do pesticide-free, but I do fertilize. I try to make my own compost as much as I can, but sometimes I have to add some commercial fertilizer to my big garden.
So, thoughts I had would be that you have a compost pile started ahead of time so you have some fertilizer available. Be sure to thin enough. My mistake is always trying to leave too much in too small of a space. Can't grow much in a 4X4 spot. Maybe stick to small easy-to-grow things like radishes, maybe a bean plant or two, herbs, lettuce, etc. I thought it'd be fun to have a "salad" garden - everything to make salads for the summer in one garden - and other than that, just have FUN!
I like the salad garden idea! That sounds like a lot of fun!
smb757 05:30 AM 03-27-2012
I don't think it matters if you're "officially" organic or not unless you're trying to sell it. :-) I know at the farmers market, there were a few farms that explained that they were basically organic, but could afford to go through the process of officially getting certified.
daycare 05:53 AM 03-27-2012
I love love love our farm days. We have plot on a farm in our town.
I take the kids once a week to maintain the crops. We have to hull the weeds every week and the kids love it. Mostly it becomes a worm digging contest, to see who can find the most worms.
Last week some of our crops were able to be picked. The lettuce this year piratically shot up out of the ground...lol I am hoping that this week we can pick a head or two.
I do something a little different with my lesson and I incorporate a field trip to our local grocery store. I set it up with the store manager and we get to go on a guided tour. the kids will get to see the produce truck dock into the grocery store and get unloaded. Then we go inside and the kids will get to help the produce guys stock a table or shelf of fruits or veggies. last year the kids got to dump barrels of apples into a huge container, they loved it. After we stock the shelves, I talk to the kid about the fruits and veggies that we grew. We decide which look good, we put them in bags and weight them. Each child will get to pick at least 3. Off to the register, where each child has to pay for their own. then we take it home and wash them up, cook them up and eat them.
The kids understand how their food gets to their plate, because none of them have a food garden. They also understand that because the daycare does have one, that we don't have to go to the store to buy them, we have our own on the farm.
I take the kids once a week to maintain the crops. We have to hull the weeds every week and the kids love it. Mostly it becomes a worm digging contest, to see who can find the most worms.
Last week some of our crops were able to be picked. The lettuce this year piratically shot up out of the ground...lol I am hoping that this week we can pick a head or two.
I do something a little different with my lesson and I incorporate a field trip to our local grocery store. I set it up with the store manager and we get to go on a guided tour. the kids will get to see the produce truck dock into the grocery store and get unloaded. Then we go inside and the kids will get to help the produce guys stock a table or shelf of fruits or veggies. last year the kids got to dump barrels of apples into a huge container, they loved it. After we stock the shelves, I talk to the kid about the fruits and veggies that we grew. We decide which look good, we put them in bags and weight them. Each child will get to pick at least 3. Off to the register, where each child has to pay for their own. then we take it home and wash them up, cook them up and eat them.
The kids understand how their food gets to their plate, because none of them have a food garden. They also understand that because the daycare does have one, that we don't have to go to the store to buy them, we have our own on the farm.
countrymom 06:06 AM 03-27-2012
Originally Posted by meganlavonnesmommy:
I'm horrible at growing things. But a daycare provider friend posted this, and it looks fun.
http://www.southernplate.com/2009/05...0-minutes.html
kiddy pools are super cheap this time of year. You could even do it with smaller clear rubbermaid type totes, then you can see the dirt and roots,
and have several smaller ones.
what a great idea, I think i'm going to do this.I'm horrible at growing things. But a daycare provider friend posted this, and it looks fun.
http://www.southernplate.com/2009/05...0-minutes.html
kiddy pools are super cheap this time of year. You could even do it with smaller clear rubbermaid type totes, then you can see the dirt and roots,
and have several smaller ones.
SunshineMama 06:15 AM 03-27-2012
Originally Posted by smb757:
I don't think it matters if you're "officially" organic or not unless you're trying to sell it. :-) I know at the farmers market, there were a few farms that explained that they were basically organic, but could afford to go through the process of officially getting certified.
I'm not trying to sell anything, just want to have a fun activity with the kids and end up with some healthy food in the process I don't think it matters if you're "officially" organic or not unless you're trying to sell it. :-) I know at the farmers market, there were a few farms that explained that they were basically organic, but could afford to go through the process of officially getting certified.
I bought some dipper gourd seeds last night at the local drug store- They look so cool! I cant wait to see how those grow!
Countrygal 11:49 AM 03-27-2012
Originally Posted by Bella99:
Dehydrated coyote/fox/wolf urine. Keeps the bunnies away
(I used to have a bunny, and my own garden was eaten by wild rabbits, so I researched what to use but also be able to allow my bun outside. They hate the smell, so they'll stay away)
Do you have a good source for this?Dehydrated coyote/fox/wolf urine. Keeps the bunnies away
(I used to have a bunny, and my own garden was eaten by wild rabbits, so I researched what to use but also be able to allow my bun outside. They hate the smell, so they'll stay away)
Countrygal 11:55 AM 03-27-2012
Originally Posted by SunshineMama:
I have not looked up all of the USDA guidelines, but I am gardening organic seeds in the soil and compost bin in my backyard, and I dont intend on using any pesticides. Do I don't know if that is allowed to be called "organic" gardening or if it is just pesticide free
I like the salad garden idea! That sounds like a lot of fun!
There are tons of regulation on being certified organic. Including how long it has been since fertilizers or pesticides have been used on the ground where your garden is, how close you are to anyone using fertilizers or pesticides and just tons of others. I can't be organic, although I was considering it because I have land that has not seen fertilizer or pesticides in over 10 years - but a cranberry marsh was built right behind my property so I will no longer qualify as organic. I have not looked up all of the USDA guidelines, but I am gardening organic seeds in the soil and compost bin in my backyard, and I dont intend on using any pesticides. Do I don't know if that is allowed to be called "organic" gardening or if it is just pesticide free
I like the salad garden idea! That sounds like a lot of fun!
Here is the USDA info on how to become certified: http://www.ers.usda.gov/Briefing/Org...tification.htm
Honestly, unless you are selling to a large market, people are going to buy naturally raised goods pretty much as easily as certified organic. The term "organically grown" is often used for people who are raising foods pesticide and fertilizer free but are not certified.
I live near the Hqtrs of Organic Valley Co-op. Here is a link to how people get started selling through them. It is not easy. http://www.organicvalley.coop/trade/certificates/