No classroom activity has ever been more welcomed than planting vegetable seeds. It starts with smiling faces and dirty hands, and ends with senses of pride and accomplishment. And it is the gift that keeps on giving.
The activity was less than a success my first time around – not having enough soil, pots or properly settling an argument over the last cucumber seed etc. But over the years I have gotten better at organizing the activity. Now that the Grade 9 geography curriculum in my province focuses on land use and sustainability, the activity is ever more relevant.
Today, I have organized it so students research which vegetable seeds are best for their individual living situation (ie. backyard, patio, balcony, east facing, west facing etc.) and then choose two. Of course, it can be less or more seeds depending on the size of the class and the classroom.
Be prepared, as the planting portion is MESSY!!! I always start out organizing seeds and think that things are going to be so Marth Stewart Living. Of course, I am always so wrong. Here is a list of some teacher supplies and tips if you think your students would enjoy this type of hands-on learning:
#1. Yes, organize ahead of time. I went and got some of those disposable sauce plastic containers (You can get them online @ Amazon and Walmart) to put and label the seeds. I use them over and over again. ‘Disposable’ isn’t a good word in the Geography classroom:)
#2. Table cover. I now use my mum’s old table cloth underlayer, but really anything wipeable will do. The Dollar Store has some cute prints. Wipe and re-use:) Don’t use newspaper as I found out (see left!); it just absorbs the water, and the the dirt becomes mud… Tip for new teachers: Don’t make enemies with the custodial staff.
#3. Potting soil, pots, spoons, sticks and string. If you put out a request to staff members around the Memorial or May 24 weekend (this differs depending on where you are) asking them for the pots and left over potting soil (this is different from garden soil, as it allows for more drainage while the seedling grows) from their garden purchases is vital for the following year. You will no doubt get a variety of sizes. And since you may have to transplant some of the seedlings if they start growing really fast, various sizes of pots are a good idea. Just be aware that you might need more dirt! And again, transplanting could be messy too!
Regarding spoons, I try to use regular soup spoons from the kitchen, as they are bigger. Sticks can be a “find your own” activity outside, or the use of old chopsticks, doweling wood or straws (but the latter are not being sold in too many places anymore). Tongue dispensers are just not going to be tall enough for this activity.
#4. Fertilizer. Sounds scary, but it is not. Spend $10 and it will do both your average garden at home and the student activity for a season. I always buy the flower and vegetable kind to cover everything.
#5. Small watering can, jug etc. The kids will need to understand and adopt the habit of watering when they arrive every day. They also need to understand that EXTRA WATERING needs to be done on Friday’s for the weekend.
#6. Teachers can have students partner up with someone. In case one student is away, the other can continue caring for the plants. This is also a good opportunity for some social interaction in the classroom, particularly if this is an area of need.
The whole classroom activity is at least 6 weeks long. You might need to transplant some of the seedlings. Depending on your climate zone, classroom and students, plants will either flourish fast or slow, or not at all:)
Happy planting!
