Gardening Club for 3rd, 4th, 5th Grades

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The Gardening Club met once a month after school from 3:00-4:00 p.m. on the first or third Friday of the month.  Interested students from 3^rd, 4^th, and 5^th grade registered for the Gardening Club by completing the parent permission form and media release.  Teacher recommendations were required.  Usually about 20 students attended each session. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We planted bulbs this year, in addition to native plants and seeds for vegetables.  A $500 grant from Keep Pearland Beautiful helped to purchase seeds, bulbs, plants, soil, and mulch.  The grant also helped purchase a rain gauge, shepherd’s hook, bird feeders, and chimes.

 

 

Our Master Gardener showed the kids how to garden.  The City of Pearland Arborist came in January to explain the proper care for trees.  He showed tree ring “cookies” and explained how to prune trees and shrubs.

Note:  Fifth graders gardened with their teacher in September and April.

 

 

Results:

25 students were registered in Gardening Club.  The club met monthly from October to March.

 

What can your school do?

 

If you want a school garden, start small with a few raised beds.  Bulbs are great because those flowers will return the next year.  Students need to learn how to plant seeds at the appropriate depth for its size.  Kids enjoy planting vegetables, especially snow peas.

 

Many schools get a grant to purchase supplies for the garden.  Your school can also send a letter explaining what students will learn in the garden and ask for donations. 

 

Master Gardeners are often willing to provide their expertise to show students how to weed, to plant seeds at the correct depth, to transplant potted plants to the garden, and to choose appropriate plants for the garden.