It’s January, the time of year when we begin to harvest the vegetables planted in the fall in the school garden at Sierra School of Gilbert. The school garden is celebrating its 8th year of dynamic and hands-on learning for students in the Spark and Bloom classrooms where youth of all abilities contribute to our school community.
The fall growing season begins in September when the students are included and encouraged in all aspects of the process. It begins with researching different companion vegetables, herbs and flowers and exploring the growing benefits of companion planting and square foot gardening. Students work hard to prep the soil and love when the garden comes to life on planting day. To see their eyes light up, when they transfer a seedling from a container to the garden bed, brings so much joy.
Over the course of the growing season students learn about the magnificence of growing their own food and benefits of healthy eating.Each gardening session is an exploration of nature helping with the development of social skills, self- esteem, problem solving,STEM and math skills. Watering, whether with a watering can or a hose, is a highly sought after job for most of our students. Students love to contribute to our school community and we love that the garden embodies hands-on learning where senses are awakened and self-esteem is fostered.
This year we are proud of our bounty of celery, broccoli, cauliflower, lettuce, brussel sprouts, beets, radishes, carrots, and an array of colorful wildflowers and herbs. Students and staff love to eat and share the food we have collectively grown together and are looking ahead to spring planting.
