Let Students Choose
Although it may be tempting for you as the teacher to pick the fruits and vegetables that will be growing in the garden, remember that this is your students’ project. One of the best ways to get your students excited about a class garden is to let them choose what will be growing in it. Allowing them to make these choices will also promote a sense of responsibility and pride in their plants. When planning your garden, take time to ask and make a list of what plants they would like to grow.
Although it may be tempting for you as the teacher to pick the fruits and vegetables that will be growing in the garden, remember that this is your students’ project. One of the best ways to get your students excited about a class garden is to let them choose what will be growing in it. Allowing them to make these choices will also promote a sense of responsibility and pride in their plants. When planning your garden, take time to ask and make a list of what plants they would like to grow.
Flower and Veggie Suggestions
After consulting your students for ideas, there are a few more factors to take into consideration when choosing plants. Be mindful of the germination time of plants. Some take much longer to see progress in than others. In order for younger students to remain interested in their garden, it is best to use plants that grow quickly.
When planning your garden, try to choose plants that will stimulate their senses. Try and incorporate plants that are vibrant in color, fragrant, and easy to pull to attract students to the garden. The following is a list of the top 10 plants for children’s gardens:
Radishes – Radishes are one of the fastest sprouting plants. They germinate in 3-10 days and have a growing season of 20-30 days. Children will love their bright color and pulling them from the ground.
Sunflowers – Sunflowers sprout in about a week and some varieties can reach 2 feet in just one month! After drying in the sun during the summer, roast the seeds for a tasty snack. Consider only growing a few of them as they do take quite a bit of room.
Lettuce – Loose-leaf varieties of lettuce mature in three to four weeks. They are hearty and easy to grow. Plus, there is no better way to get your students interested in eating salad than having them take part in growing it!
Mint – Mint is one of the most fragrant herbs that can awaken your student’s sense of smell. Be aware that it has a tendency to spread quickly, so if you can, plant it in a separate bed. It can also be repotted and taken indoors during the winter to keep year-round.
Strawberries – Strawberries are the perfect plant for little ones! Your students will love searching for juicy berries. Children will also enjoy their adorable white flowers.
Cherry Tomatoes – Cherry tomatoes are another tasty treat that your students can harvest on their own. Plan on getting cages ahead of time as some varieties can grow quite large.
Pumpkins – Although they do take a while to grow, older students with a little more patience will enjoy having pumpkin plants around fall time. Try miniature pumpkins if you are short on space.
Zinnias – These are one of the easiest flowers to grow. They do best in hot and dry conditions, so be careful not to overwater. They come in many colors and are known to attract butterflies.
Snapdragons – Snapdragons come in many different colors and are soft to the touch. More than likely, your students will get a kick out of carefully pinching the sides of the flower together and making their “mouths” move.
Lavender - Want your students to relax? Grow some lavender with them! These plants grow to be 1 to 4 feet and are known to alleviate stress.
After consulting your students for ideas, there are a few more factors to take into consideration when choosing plants. Be mindful of the germination time of plants. Some take much longer to see progress in than others. In order for younger students to remain interested in their garden, it is best to use plants that grow quickly.
When planning your garden, try to choose plants that will stimulate their senses. Try and incorporate plants that are vibrant in color, fragrant, and easy to pull to attract students to the garden. The following is a list of the top 10 plants for children’s gardens:
Radishes – Radishes are one of the fastest sprouting plants. They germinate in 3-10 days and have a growing season of 20-30 days. Children will love their bright color and pulling them from the ground.
Sunflowers – Sunflowers sprout in about a week and some varieties can reach 2 feet in just one month! After drying in the sun during the summer, roast the seeds for a tasty snack. Consider only growing a few of them as they do take quite a bit of room.
Lettuce – Loose-leaf varieties of lettuce mature in three to four weeks. They are hearty and easy to grow. Plus, there is no better way to get your students interested in eating salad than having them take part in growing it!
Mint – Mint is one of the most fragrant herbs that can awaken your student’s sense of smell. Be aware that it has a tendency to spread quickly, so if you can, plant it in a separate bed. It can also be repotted and taken indoors during the winter to keep year-round.
Strawberries – Strawberries are the perfect plant for little ones! Your students will love searching for juicy berries. Children will also enjoy their adorable white flowers.
Cherry Tomatoes – Cherry tomatoes are another tasty treat that your students can harvest on their own. Plan on getting cages ahead of time as some varieties can grow quite large.
Pumpkins – Although they do take a while to grow, older students with a little more patience will enjoy having pumpkin plants around fall time. Try miniature pumpkins if you are short on space.
Zinnias – These are one of the easiest flowers to grow. They do best in hot and dry conditions, so be careful not to overwater. They come in many colors and are known to attract butterflies.
Snapdragons – Snapdragons come in many different colors and are soft to the touch. More than likely, your students will get a kick out of carefully pinching the sides of the flower together and making their “mouths” move.
Lavender - Want your students to relax? Grow some lavender with them! These plants grow to be 1 to 4 feet and are known to alleviate stress.
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Realistic Expectations
As you begin caring for the garden with your students, understand that some plants may not make it. Don’t worry! Although some students may be upset at first, this is still a learning experience for them. If possible, try growing the plant again with the child under different circumstances to practice the scientific method. |
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Copyright 2019. Successful Solutions Professional Development LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Student support 7 days a week, including most holidays!
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