Garden Basics

1. Garden Basics Tips for planning a successful school garden Prepared by Ariel AgenbroadHorticulture Educator University of Idaho Extension,Canyon County

2. Why Grow a School Garden? It’s a lot of fun!  Gardens provide a place for hands-on learning in many curricular areas School gardens can have a positive impact on students’ food choices

6. What to consider before you grow: • Garden location • Style of garden • Soil • Plants or seeds • Water • Care & maintenance

7. Evaluating a garden location Avoid low and windy areas Flowering and fruiting vegetables require at least 8-10 hours of full sun every day South and west sides are best, north and east sides can be shady; watch for shadows Some lettuces, greens and herbs can grow well with only with 5-6 hours of sunlight

8. Further considerations Is the location convenient? Is it close to a water supply? Will the garden be safe for the kids and adults working in it? Will the garden be safe from animals or possible vandals?

9. What’s the dirt on soil? • Soil is made up of mineral particles • Can be sand, silt & clay, or a combination • Good soil should be: • well-draining • rich in organic matter • teeming with life (earthworms and microorganisms) • Good soil can be created

10. “Don’t Guess, Soil Test!” A Basic Soil Test will analyze your soil and provide recommendations for appropriate fertilization If you suspect any heavy metals or contaminants, consider testing Contact an Extension office for instructions

11. Waterworks Most vegetables need between1-2 inches of water per week (typically about 1-2 hours of watering) Can use a buckets or cans, hoses, sprinklers, soaker or drip systems Locate your garden close to a water source if possible

12. Creative garden solutions If your chosen spot ends up being notso “chosen”… Put edibles into landscape plantings Build raised gardens Find a garden spot on land near the school or even at another school

13. Garden Styles Rows, Hills, Bedsor Boxes Do what works foryou and your site

18. Intensive gardening Maximum yield from minimum space Closer spacing than traditional rows Eliminate unnecessary paths Grow vertical when possible

21. Container gardening Great solution for difficult sites Must give plants room to grow Use light colored containers Use a fertile potting mix Use varieties suited for containers Water, water, water

23. Winter gardening? In many parts of Idaho, we have a short growing season Don’t let that stop you! Make the most of it through “season extension” techniques Start early, harvest later!

25. What grows here, and when? Warm Weather Crops Peppers Tomatoes Squash Green Beans Eggplants Edible Flowers Pumpkins& Melons Tomatillos Corn Cucumbers May June March May-June Cool Weather Crops Peas Potatoes Lettuce Cabbage Broccoli Swiss Chard Kale Onions Leeks Carrots Beets

26. Don’t forget about: • Tree Fruits • Apple, pear, plum, peach, nectarine, pluot • Berries • Raspberries, blackberries, strawberries • Perennial fruits and vegetables: • Grapes, Rhubarb, Asparagus

27. When should we plant? Last Frost in spring First Frost:in fall

28. When can we eat? • 30 days after planting • Radishes, lettuces • 60 days after planting • Beets, green onions • 80 days after planting • Carrots, cabbages, summer squash, corn • 100+ days after planting • Tomatoes, melons

29. Choosing seeds or plants • Seeds are cheaper, but more work… • Buy from Catalogs, Garden Centers, Discount Stores, Online, or ask for donations • Start inside (with lights) or outside in greenhouse • Seedlings give you a head start • Buy from Farmers’ Market, Garden Centers, Mail Order, get them donated

30. Getting tools and supplies • Ask for donations! • Buy from thrift Stores and yard sales • Hardware stores and garden centers • Get the basics: • Shovels, rakes, hoes, hand trowels, hoses, sprinklers or nozzles, harvest buckets

31. To avoid pest problems: Start with a healthy, diverse environment for plants and insects Provide habitat for beneficial insects Keep it clean…pick up after yourself! Ask your Extension office or local Garden Center employee for advice

32. Weeding • Weeds compete with garden plants • Nutrients, water, sunlight • Best control is prevention • Pull them out when small • Prevent seeds from forming • If all else fails, eat ‘em!

33. Feeding your plants • Refer to your soil test results • Add compost every year • Use slow release fertilizers • Use caution with all fertilizer • Fully compost all manures • Read all labels and follow all directions on synthetics and organics

34. Making your own fertilizer • Compost Happens! • Mix 2 parts “brown” waste • Leaves, straw, dried and crunchy plants • To 1 part “green” • Grass clippings, vegetable peelings • Don’t add meat, fats or pet animal waste • Add water, and stir…use in and on the garden!

36. Maintenance in the garden Cleanliness = Prevention • Remove diseased or injured plants • Remove rotten or fallen fruit • Stake falling plants • Rotate plant families yearly • Care for tools and equipment properly

37. How do I get more information? To find a University of Idaho Extension office in your county, or to access free online resources, visit www.uidaho.edu/extension See examples of other successful school gardens in Idaho at: http://www.sde.idaho.gov/site/cnp/schoolgarden/docs/Garden%20Booklet.pdf