Octagon Pond Elementary

Video

About our Garden

Please describe your garden, is it raised beds, in the ground, do you have a greenhouse?

We have four raised 6x6 beds.

What vegetables/fruit do you grow in your garden? What do you have a difficult time growing in your school garden?

We started with tomato plants, broccoli, potato, leeks but lost them to extreme cold in the Spring. We replanted in July and choose rhubarb, carrot, cabbage and corn to go with the potatoes. We discovered the street lights attracted moths which laid eggs on the cabbage but we were able to save them. This Spring we are going to add plastic to the top to create a greenhouse effect.

Why did your school decide to add a school garden?

To teach the children the importance of food and how difficult it is to grow and cultivate so that they have a greater appreciation for what they find in their fridge at home.

What classes participate in the garden, what subjects are taught in the garden?

All classes were invited to participate ; however, the grade 2's and 4's played a big role in the harvesting.

Who manages the garden day to day? Who manages the garden over the Summer break?

Day to day our Grade 4 teacher and her class check on it. Over the summer our custodian watered it and our grade 4 teacher popped by to check on it.

What do you do with the harvest from your garden? Do you have a harvest celebration? Do you use it in the cafeteria, or culinary classes? Do you donate some of the produce?

The grade 2's harvested the tomatoes and ate them and the Grade 4's made mashed potatoes, coleslaw and had tomato slices. Our crop was small this year due to having to replant.

What are your future plans for the school garden?

We would like to get plastic for the top to create a greenhouse effect, netting for the cabbage, and better schedule for care in the summer.

Any words of encouragement/tips for a school starting a school garden?

It is hard work but seeing how the kids loved it and looked forward to visiting it was worth it.