Gardening for Homeschoolers, Schools, and Garden Clubs
Introduction to Gardening for Homeschoolers and Schools
The world of gardening, particularly in areas like soil microbiology and plant interactions, is incredibly complex and still holds many mysteries. Even with advanced scientific techniques, new information about how plants grow, interact, and thrive continues to be uncovered. This complexity makes gardening a fantastic educational tool, especially for kids.
Whether they choose to apply this knowledge to grow their own food, contributing to sustainability and self-reliance, or pursue a career as a scientist to make significant differences in the world, the foundational understanding and appreciation for nature they gain through gardening can serve as a stepping stone to a multitude of paths.
Gardening tailored for homeschooling families and schools.
Join our 9-month gardening program, perfect for families, schools, and clubs. Starting in the fall, these weekly lessons will help you garden throughout the seasons.
Disclaimer: If you’re joining our gardening program later in the year, no worries! You can easily adjust the schedule to fit your timeline. Our lessons are designed to be flexible, so you can start planting and learning at any time. Happy gardening!
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Step-by-Step Gardening Guide
Week One – Introduction to Gardening
Reading Activity: Understanding the Garden
- Introduction to Gardening: A look at how gardening helps the world, focusing on growing things naturally and how it can benefit both the planet and the individual.
- The Magic of Microbes: Microbes are tiny organisms in the soil that help plants grow strong and healthy. They break down nutrients and make them available to plants.
- Plants and Their Functions: Plants do more than beautify our surroundings; they clean our air and water and provide food. Understanding how plants grow and interact with their environment is key to successful gardening.
- Avoiding Chemicals: Chemicals might seem like a quick fix in the garden, but they can harm the soil, plants, and even us. Learn how to garden naturally, without relying on harmful substances.
- Bugs and Weeds as Friends: Did you know that not all bugs and weeds are bad? Many play vital roles in the garden’s ecosystem.
- Environmental Responsibility: Gardening is not just about growing plants; it’s about caring for the Earth. From saving water to nurturing wildlife, responsible gardening makes a positive impact.
Garden Activity: Exploring Our Garden
Now that you’ve read about gardening, microbes, plants, and more, it’s time to head outside and explore the garden!
- Soil and Microbe Exploration: Dig into the soil to observe its texture, color, and composition. Look for signs of microbial activity.
- Learning: Understand the role of soil in supporting plant life and recognize the importance of microbes in breaking down nutrients.
- Questions: What did the soil feel like? Did you find anything in the soil that microbes may eat? Why are microbes important?
- Plant Observation: Inspect different plants, their leaves, roots, and flowers.
- Learning: Learn how plants grow and their functions in cleaning air and water.
- Questions: How do plants use their leaves and roots? What do plants provide for us?
- Chemical-Free Gardening: Discuss and demonstrate natural gardening methods.
- Learning: Understand why avoiding chemicals is essential for the garden’s health.
- Questions: What are some natural ways to help plants grow? Why should we avoid chemicals?
- Bugs and Weeds Exploration: Identify bugs and weeds in the garden and discuss their roles.
- Learning: Recognize that bugs and weeds can be friends in the garden.
- Questions: What good things do bugs and weeds do? How can they help the garden?
- Water Conservation Activity: Watering the garden
- Learning: Emphasize the importance of saving water and different ways we can do it.
- Questions: How can we save water in the garden? Why is it important?