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School  Gardens  Handbook  is  a  reference  for  schools  beginning  school  gardens.          

       

             

Greater  Greenville  Master  Gardeners  Clemson  Cooperative  Extension  Service  

301  University  Ridge,  Suite  4300  Greenville,  SC  29601-­‐3678  

864-­‐232-­‐4431        www.clemson.edu/extension/county/greenville/programs/  horticulture/index.html.  

 

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Table  of  Contents    

Why  School  Gardens?  ............................................................................................................................................  3  

2008  SC  School  Gardens  Survey  

How  To  Begin  –the  planning  stage  .........................................................................................................................  5  

Questions  to  ask  

Establish  rules  and  governance  

Types  of  School  Gardens  ........................................................................................................................................  6  

Carolina  Fence  Garden  Butterfly  Garden  

Design  of  School  Gardens  .....................................................................................................................................  10  

Choosing  the  site  

Maintaining  the  School  Garden  ............................................................................................................................  11       What  to  plant,  when,  and  how  

Harvest     Insect,  weed,  and  disease  control  

Curriculum  Suggestions  for  School  Gardens  ........................................................................................................  17  

Support/Funding/Resources  of  School  Gardens  ..................................................................................................  21  

 

SCHOOL GARDENS HANDBOOK

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Why School Gardens? According  to  the  National  Gardening  Association  (http://assoc.garden.org/ag/asg/),  “Learning  comes  alive  for  students  and  teachers  in  a  school  garden  setting.  Whether  indoor  under  lights  or  outdoor  in  the  fresh  air,  there  is  no  subject  that  can't  be  taught  through  plant-­‐based  education.”  

The  benefits  of  a  school  garden  inspiring  discoveries,  learning,  and  adventure  are  numerous.  

! Personal  growth  Students  build  confidence,  self-­‐esteem,  and  pride  as  a  result  of  hard  work  and  patience.  

! Environmental  awareness  and  stewardship  Students  develop  an  understanding  of  the  natural  world  and  interaction  among  living  and  non-­‐living  players.  

! Multidisciplinary,  active  learning  Students  learn  everything  from  reading  and  language  arts,  to  science,  math,  art,  and  nutrition,  to  cross-­‐cultural  understanding  and  human  rights  exploration  in  the  school  garden  hands-­‐on  laboratory.  School  gardens  provide  the  context  in  which  many  national,  state,  and  locally  mandated  standards  across  the  curriculum  can  be  addressed.  

! Healthy  behavior  Students,  exposed  to  nutrition  information  and  fresh  vegetables  and  herbs,  make  healthier  eating  choices.    

! Social  Awareness  Students  learn  about  food  and  hunger  issues  and  the  joy  of  giving  and  sharing.  

! Community  Improvement  Students,  along  with  teachers,  parents,  and  grandparents,  make  a  difference  in  their  communities.  

! Fun  

   

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2008  South  Carolina  School  Garden  Survey  Results  South  Carolina  Department  of  Agriculture  Laura  Greenwold  Derks  31  October,  2008   This  survey  shows  the  impact  school  gardens  have  in  South  Carolina.  The  survey  questions  and  responses  fall  under  four  different  categories:  type  of  garden,  activities  carried  out  in  the  garden,  garden  costs,  and  garden  assessment.  The  survey  was  sent  to  175  South  Carolina  schools  both  public  and  private.  The  survey  was  targeted  to  schools  potentially  having  a  garden,  based  on  information  from  the  following  resources:  SC  Wildlife  Federation  (132  schools),  kidsgardening.org  (25  schools),  SC  Green  Steps  Schools  (8  schools),  Greenville  Organic  Foods  Organization  (7  schools),  Clemson  Landscapes  for  Learning  (5),  as  well  as  SC  Department  of  Education  annual  school  reports  (14  schools).  Individuals  eager  to  share  information  about  other  school  gardens  around  the  state  were  a  valuable  resource  as  well.  [Fifty-­‐three  were  returned]  

The  majority,  25  of  the  53  school  gardens  determined  from  this  survey,  are  from  7  counties  in  the  upstate,  which  includes  Oconee,  Pickens,  Greenville,  Spartanburg,  York,  Anderson,  and  Greenwood  (47%).  .  .  .  It  is  important  to  keep  in  mind,  however,  the  potential  existence  of  school  gardens  from  these  and  other  counties  that  did  not  participate  in  the  survey.  

The  majority  of  gardens  (60%)  are  older  than  5  years  old  (32  gardens)  and  no  size  garden  is  most  prevalent.  Most  schools  (46)  responded  that  students  participate  in  the  garden  (87%),  meaning  the  school  offers  opportunities  for  students  to  interact  with  the  garden  in  some  way.    During  the  summer,  the  school  gardens  are  maintained  by  school  administrators  or  teachers  at  24  schools  (45%);  at  17  schools  maintenance  or  custodial  staff    help  maintain  the  garden  (32%).  Volunteers  help  maintain  7  school  gardens  during  the  summer  (13%).  Students  help  maintain  the  garden  at  6  schools  (11%),  parents  help  at  6  schools  (11%),  and  seniors  at  3  schools  (6%).    The  sources  of  funding  and  materials  for  the  gardens  came  from  grants  for  30  schools  (57%),  Grant  sources  specified  were  Wal-­‐Mart,  Petals,  Clemson  Landscapes  for  Learning,  Green  Team,  EIC,  Westinghouse,  Lowe's,  Champions  of  the  Environment,  Keep  America  Beautiful,  Americorps,  Hidden  Valley,  Seaworld/Busch  Gardens/Fujifilm  Environmental  Excellence,    Palmetto  Pride,  Toyota  Tapestry,  and  Nickelodeon.    Conclusion:  School  gardens  are  significant  in  SC.  The  survey  responses  indicate  that  school  gardens  are  valuable  to  many,  and  the  fact  that  over  half  of  the  gardens  are  older  than  five  years  indicates  that  they  are  well  established.  The  involvement  of  teachers,  students,  and  many  others  indicates  their  significance  as  well.    Excerpts  above  were  taken  from  the  survey.  The  complete  document  can  be  downloaded  from  http://agriculture.sc.gov/content.aspx?ContentID=789    

Types  of  Gardens  

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How to Begin – the planning stage In  a  brainstorming  session  with  educators,  administrators,  parents,  students,  school  custodians,  volunteers,  garden  club  members,  and  horticulture  representatives,  determine  the  desire  and  commitment  by  asking  these  questions:  

! Why?  What  are  the  objectives?    ! What  kind  of  garden?  How  will  we  use  the  garden?  ! Leadership?  Who  will  be  involved  –  PTA,  local  businesses,  senior  citizens,  horticulture  experts,  

other  volunteers?  Who  will  be  in  charge?  ! What  support  and  resources  are  available?  How  will  we  rally  support?  ! How  will  the  garden  be  governed?  What  rules  will  we  establish  for  the  garden?  

 

Will  the  garden  simply  be  a  landscape  improvement  project  for  the  school  or  will  it  be  an  outdoor  classroom?  The  first  step  is  to  bring  together  all  the  players  and  decide  how  the  garden  will  be  used.  If  it  is  to  be  an  outdoor  classroom,  the  entire  school  needs  to  be  involved,  especially  the  teachers  who  need  to  see  how  they  can  meet  curriculum  standards  in  the  outdoor  setting.  

The  next  step  will  be  to  determine  what  type  of  garden  the  school  wants  to  develop  and  the  best  location  on  campus.  The  school  may  decide  to  start  small  and  grow  the  garden  later.  Involve  horticulture  experts  at  this  time,  if  necessary.  

It  is  important  to  have  a  committee  with  clear  leadership  work  on  the  project.  Who  will  be  involved?  How  will  volunteers  be  recruited?  Who  will  delegate  duties  and  schedule  tasks?  How  will  volunteers  be  trained?  Who  will  make  decisions?  

Begin  at  this  point  to  market  the  idea.  Involve  the  local  community.  Seek  donations  and  grants.    

Build  the  dream.  

Establish  rules  for  the  garden.    Decide  how  the  garden  will  be  maintained,  especially  through  the  summer.  Consider  establishing  a  student  garden  club  or  Junior  Master  Gardener  program.  How  will  you  deal  with  theft  or  vandalism?      Always  thank  those  who  have  helped  support  the  garden  project.  Letters,  photos,  and  pictures  mean  a  lot,  even  more  if  handed  out  at  a  harvest  party.      Have  fun!    

Types of School Gardens

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After  determining  the  objectives,  decide  on  the  type  of  school  garden  that  will  meet  those  objectives.  Theme  Gardens  –  based  around  a  topic,  book,  or  idea  creates  a  foundation  on  which  to  build.  For  inspiration,  visit  http://4hgarden.msu.edu/tour/overview.html  to  see  Michigan  State  University’s  4-­‐H  Children’s  Garden  with  56  theme  gardens.  Other  examples  include:  

Dye Garden Plants used to make dyes – black-eyed Susan, false indigo, sunflower Pizza Garden or Salsa Garden

Toppings for pizza – garden even shaped like a pizza Ingredients for salsa

Alphabet Garden From asters to zinnias – consider the Latin name as well as the common name in choosing plants. Each of the 26 blocks can be labeled with a creative sign.

Literature Garden Grow plants from popular children’s books – extra handout available Herb Garden Herbs for aroma, cooking, medicine, etc. Rainbow Garden Grow a blooming rainbow by planting curved rows of different colored flowers. Primary Colors Especially interesting for younger children learning their colors. History Garden Explore a particular time in history such as Colonial America Butterfly Garden Create a garden to provide plant food and an oasis for attracting butterflies and caterpillars.

Visit the butterfly garden at Roper Mountain. Native American Explore the stories, customs, and myths associated with native crops, i.e. “The Three Sisters.” Multicultural Garden

Explore other cultures by growing plants from around the world, i.e. soybean, Chinese cabbage, Chinese greens, and ginger.

Sunflower Garden Plant several varieties that will bloom throughout the summer and fall. Consider birdhouses, birdbaths, other seed plants, and bird feeders for winter.

Nutrition Garden Grow vegetables – harvest and prepare fresh vegetables for children to try. Download the 40 page booklet Nutrition in the Garden (Teaching Healthy Living Through Horticulture) at http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/nutrition/research/nutrition.pdf. Check out this website: http://www.growing-minds.org for lesson plans, information, and resources.

Native Plants Choose only plants native to this area. Wildflower Garden

Choose an array of annuals and perennials for bountiful color.

Schoolyard Habitat

Visit http://www.nwf.org/nwf/prog/habitats to see how your school can qualify for certification. . http://www.scwf.org/index.php/education-programs/habitats/schoolyard

Romance Garden Roses, Loves Lies Bleeding, Cupid’s Dart, etc. Animal Garden DandeLIONS , cultivars with animal names – Elephant Ears, Cockscomb, Catnip, Butterfly

Weed, etc. Shakespeare Garden

Plants mentioned in Shakespeare’s plays – Carnation, Balm, Lavender, Columbine

Daylily Garden Plant several varieties – drought tolerant, blooms during summer Bible Garden Plants from the Bible - Isa 28:25, 27 & Mat 23:23 (Dill); Luke 11:42 (Mint) Sustainable School Yard Habitat

http://www.clemson.edu/extension/horticulture/schoolyard_habitats/index.html http://www.nwf.org/schoolyard/

 

 

 

http://www.scwf.org/index.php/education-­‐programs/habitats/fence-­‐garden    

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Carolina  FenceTM  Garden  

As   members   of   the   South   Carolina   Wildlife   Federation's   W.A.I.T.™   (Wildlife   And   Industry   Together)   team  traveled   to   sites   around   the   state,   they   explored   the   ways   in   which   a   simple   landscape   element   could  incorporate   native   and   historical   values.   They   were   also   eager   to   attract   native   species   to   habitats,   while  providing  a  landscape  element  that  could  be  adapted  to  most  any  public  or  private  setting.  As  a  result  of  their  discussions,  the  Carolina  Fence™  was  born.  

Utilizing   some   very   basic   elements,   the   Carolina   Fence™   incorporates   both   natural   and   cultural   elements,  which  have  been  designated  as  symbols  of  our  state.  The  Carolina  Fence™  is  a  landscape  component  that  can  be  adapted   to  a   variety  of   settings.   The  Fence  can   function  as  a   valuable  habitat  element  while   showcasing  symbols   of   natural   and   cultural   history.  Most   importantly,   as   a   habitat   device,   the   Fence   has   the   ability   to  attract  and  support  native  animal  species.  

Creating  your  own  Carolina  Fence™  So  simple,  yet  filled  with  natural  value,  the  Carolina  Fence™  is  a  concept  that  involves  plantings  and  landscaping  materials  that  are  readily  found  in  local  garden  shops  and  nurseries.    The  split  rail  fence  represents  a  commonly  used  device  by  South  Carolinians  in  the  late  1800's  and  early  1900's  as  farmers  and  landowners  responded  to  the  new  laws  that  called  for  fencing  in  live  stock.  You  will  need  two  or  more  6  to  12  foot  sections  for  your  Carolina  Fence™.  It  can  be  laid  out  in  "snake  fashion"  with  no  vertical  posts,  or  as  a  post  and  rail  fence.  Yellow  Jessamine  can  easily  be  trained  across  the  split  rail  fence  to  form  a  dense  and  attractive  year-­‐round  foliage  cover.  This  species  is  an  easily  cultivated  perennial  vine  that  does  best  in  sunny  locations.  The  Yellow  Jessamine,  an  evergreen  vine  and  indigenous  throughout  South  Carolina,  has  been  celebrated  for  its  showy  yellow  flowers  in  March  that  herald  the  coming  of  spring.  In  addition,  the  fragrant  flowers  are  a  first  annual  source  of  nectar  to  many  of  our  desirable  native  insects  such  as  butterflies  and  bees  as  they  stir  from  their  over-­‐wintering  sites.    A  Carolina  Wren  House,  mounted  on  the  fence  or  on  a  post  nearby,  creates  a  home  for  our  state  bird.  Wrens  are  one  of  the  most  common  visitors  to  backyards  and  readily  adapt  to  manmade  nest  boxes.  They  are  also  very  comfortable  being  in  close  proximity  to  humans.  Their  activities  are  a  joy  to  watch  and  their  song  is  a  very  pleasant  backyard  tune.  (Please  note  that  Carolina  wrens  have  a  larger  body  size  and  require  a  larger  entrance  hole,  so  if  you  want  them  to  nest  in  your  house  make  sure  to  select  the  Carolina  style.)  You  can  build  your  own  Carolina  Wren  house  or  purchase  one  from  the  SCWF.  

Blue  Granite,   the   official   Stone   of   South   Carolina,   adds   another   aesthetic   and   official   state   symbol   to   your  Carolina  Fence™.  Plus,  butterflies  will  love  to  bask  in  the  sun  on  it!  

Indian  Grass,  Sorgastrum  nutans,  is  our  State  Grass.  The  flowers  are  often  visited  by  bees,  and  birds  love  the  seeds.  The  foliage  is  also  often  used  for  grazing  by  other  wildlife.  

Native   Wildflowers   in   a   mulched   plant-­‐bed   around   your   fence   can   be   very   attractive   to   the   official   state  butterfly,  the  Tiger  Swallowtail.  The  Garden  Club  of  South  Carolina  has  identified  this  butterfly  species  to  be  of  particular  interest  to  South  Carolinians  because  it  serves  as  a  pollinator  in  orchards  and  gardens.  

Our  State  Wildflower,  Goldenrod,  (Solidago  spp.)  is  a  great  food  source  for  many  different  kinds  of  wildlife.  It  has   beautiful   flowers   that   provide   nectar   for   butterflies   and   bees.   The   seeds   are   eaten   by  Goldfinches   and  other  birds.  

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*  The  Carolina  Fence™  concept  was  developed  by  these  W.A.I.T.™  partners:  SCWF,  SCDNR,  Duke  Power,  and  National  Wild  Turkey  Federation  in  cooperation  with  The  Garden  Club  of  South  Carolina.  

Getting  Your  Wildlife  Habitat  Certified    For  recognition  as  a  certified  wildlife  habitat,  certain  basic  requirements  must  be  met.  All  habitats,  regardless  of  size  must  provide  for  food,  water,  cover,  and  places  to  raise  young.  To  turn  your  Carolina  Fence™  into  a  complete  wildlife  habitat,  you  will  need  to  have  a  source  of  water.  This  can  be  as  simple  as  adding  a  bird  bath  or  a  more  involved  procedure,  such  as  creating  a  small  pond  in  your  yard.  Once  you  meet  all  of  the  requirements,  you  can  get  your  habitat  garden  certified  as  a  Backyard  Wildlife  Habitat™.  For  a  Carolina  Fence™  Garden  at  a  school,  it  can  be  certified  as  a  Schoolyard  Habitat  

Carolina  Fence™  Garden  Resources  

Sample  garden  designs  with  plant  lists:      Small  Garden  Design      http://www.scwf.org/images/pdf/cfg_small%20design.pdf    Large  Garden  Design    http://www.scwf.org/images/pdf/cfc_large%20design.pdf    Complete  List  of  Native  Plants  Valuable  to  Wildlife  http://www.scwf.org/index.php/education-­‐programs/habitats/fence-­‐garden/34-­‐garden-­‐native  

eNature.coms'  New  Native  Gardening  and  Invasive  Plants  Guide    http://enature.com/native_invasive/  

Plans  for  a  Carolina  Wren  Nesting  Box    http://www.scwf.org/images/pdf/wren%20box.pdf  

SC  Native  Plant  Nurseries                                                                                                                                                  http://www.scwf.org/index.php/education-­‐programs/habitats/fence-­‐garden/33-­‐garden-­‐plants  

Annual  Care  Calendar                                                                                                                                                            http://www.scwf.org/index.php/education-­‐programs/habitats/fence-­‐garden/32-­‐garden-­‐calendar  

Estimated  Costs  of  a  Carolina  Fence  Garden                                                                        http://www.scwf.org/index.php/education-­‐programs/habitats/fence-­‐garden/30-­‐garden-­‐cost  

Blue  Granite  Source:  (for  schools)  Project  Leader  -­‐  Gary  Taylor  Geologic  Mapping-­‐Piedmont  Geologic  Survey/SCDNR  5  Geology  Road,  Columbia,  SC  29210  (803)  896-­‐7708  

   

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Butterfly  Garden  

Butterfly  Host  Plants:  Host  plants  that  are  useful  for  butterflies  and  their  caterpillars  are:  Clover  family,  Dock,  Milkweed,  Nettle,  Parsley  family(dill,  carrots,  parsnips,  etc.),  Plantain,  Ragweed,  Roses,  Toadflax,  Lupines,  Penstemon,  Amaranth,  Apple,  Pigweed,  Vetch,  Goatsbeard  (Aruncus),  Poplar,  Violets,  Sedum,  Spirea,  Flax,  Hibiscus,  Lamb’s  Quarters,  Lilacs,  Wild  Cherry,  Vervain,  Willows,  Spice  Bush,  Aspen,  Birch,  Hackberry,  Snapdragons,  False  Loosestrifes,  Thistles,  Plums,  Cherries,  Butterfly  weed  (Asclepias),  Astragalus,  Wisteria,  Azalea,  Bleeding  Hearts,  Blueberries,  Borage,  Chickweed,  Dogwoods,  Fennel,  Alfalfa,  Sorrel,  Hollyhocks  and  Mallows,  grasses.  

 

  Butterfly  Nectar  Plants:  Bee  Balm  (Monarda),  Black-­‐eyed  Susan,  Butterfly  Bush  (Buddleia),  Butterfly  Weed  (Asclepias),  Columbine  (Aquilegia),  Indian  Paintbrush  (Castilleja),  Clematis,  Coreopsis,  Daisies  and  Mums,  Coneflowers,  Blazing  Stars  (Liatris),  Dogbane,  Goldenrod,  Joe-­‐Pye-­‐Weed,  Catmint,  Phlox,  Sedum,  Filipendula  (Meadowsweet),  Carnations/Pinks,  Globe  Thistle,  Blanket  Flower  (Gallardia),  Lavendar,  Oregano,  Mints,  Veronica,  Marigolds,  Zinnias,  Nicotiana  (Flowering  Tobacco),  Impatiens,  Sunflowers,  Verbena,  Phlox,  Cleome,  Cosmos,  Alyssum,  Ageratum,  Queen  Anne’s  Lace,  Snapdragons,  Calendula,  Lobelia,  Nasturtiums,  Salvia,  Petunias,  Pansies.  

 

  Butterfly  water  source:  

   A  shallow  pan  partly  filled  with  soil  or  gravel  with  enough  water  added  to  puddle  slightly  in  some  areas  works  well.  Also  a  shallow  pan  with  a  small  amount  of  water  in  the  bottom  and  a  flat  rock  to  the  side  where  the  butterflies  can  walk  down  to  the  water  or  bask  in  the  sun  also  works.  Be  sure  that  you  keep  the  water  pan  well  stocked  with  water  (but  not  deep!)  Do  not  spray  insecticides  in  your  garden.  Butterflies  and  many  other  helpful  insects  are  killed  right  along  with  any  undesirable  ones.  Don’t  attract  them  just  to  kill  them.  

 

  Butterfly  Garden  Designs:  

  A  regular  garden  shape  of  circles,  rectangles,  or  squares  is  good  but  creating  the  garden  in  the  shape  of  a  butterfly  enhances  the  effect.  

                                                                           

SC  State  Butterfly  -­‐  

 Eastern  Tiger  Swallowtail    

         

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Designing School Gardens Choose  the  site  -­‐    Decide  where  to  build  the  garden  on  campus  with  the  following  concerns  in  mind:    -­‐  Sun.  A  vegetable  garden  needs  5-­‐8  hours  of  full,  direct  sun  every  day  for  plants  to  be  healthy.  (Leafy  vegetables  like  lettuce  need  at  least  5  hours.  Fruiting  vegetables  like  tomatoes  need  at  least  8  hours.)  The  sun  changes  during  the  seasons,  but  in  general  a  garden  that  is  on  the  south  or  west  side  of  a  building  will  do  better  for  vegetables  than  one  on  the  north  or  east  side.  A  shade  garden  would  not  need  this  amount  of  sun.    -­‐  Water.  Hoses  are  heavy  and  often  can’t  be  left  in  the  schoolyard.  You  will  want  to  build  your  garden  as  close  as  possible  to  a  water  spigot  or  hose  bib.  Or  install  one  near  your  garden  site.    -­‐  Drainage.  Most  plants  will  die  if  they  sit  in  soggy  soil.  Make  sure  that  the  site  you  choose  isn’t  the  lowest  place  on  campus.  Watch  where  water  sits  longest  after  it  rains,  and  you’ll  know  where  you  don’t  want  to  build  your  garden.  If  the  low  spot  is  the  only  place  you  can  make  your  garden,  modify  the  site  by  bringing  in  gravel  to  raise  the  ground  level,  and  use  raised  beds.    -­‐  Soil.  You  can  build  a  garden  on  asphalt  by  using  raised  beds.  If  you  are  going  to  use  soil  that  is  already  on  campus,  it  is  important  to  have  it  tested  by  Clemson  Extension.  Cost  is  $6.    -­‐  Access.  The  garden  needs  to  be  close  enough  to  classrooms  that  it  can  be  used  regularly.  A  garden  that  is  out  of  sight  is  hard  to  monitor,  maintain  and  enjoy!  However,  it  is  important  to  note  that  an  unfenced  garden  requires  more  community  involvement  to  avoid  vandalism  and  theft  that  can  occur  when  people  feel  jealous  because  they  are  outside  the  garden  community.    -­‐  Tool  Storage.  Choose  a  location  to  store  and  secure  tools  that  is  close  to  the  garden  so  that  transporting  tools  isn’t  a  chore.    -­‐Compost.  Determine  whether  or  not  composting  will  be  part  of  the  garden  experience.    The  site  will  often  determine  if  you  will  build  raised  bed  boxes  above  the  ground  or  put  your  garden  directly  into  the  ground.  Note  that  it  is  often  safer  to  build  raised  beds  than  to  remove  asphalt  and  work  with  the  soil  underneath,  because  chemicals  from  the  asphalt  can  leach  into  the  soil  over  time.  Consider  other  elements  such  as  walkways,  work/study/rest  area,  and  signs.      

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Maintaining School Gardens What  to  plant  –  Determining  what  to  plant  in  the  garden  will  depend  on  the  type  of  garden  wanted.  Carolina  fence  garden,  wildlife  habitat  garden,  native  species,  or  butterfly  garden,  for  example,  will  have  specific  plants.  Contact  Clemson  Extension  or  a  Master  Gardener  for  suggestions.  If  the  garden  is  a  vegetable  garden  grown  during  the  school  year  (fall,  winter,  spring),  the  season  will  determine  what  plants  to  grow.  Choose  high  quality  certified  seed  (Clemson  Seed  Foundation-­‐  http://www.virtual.clemson.edu/groups/seed)  and  recommended  varieties  of  plants  for  our  area.  Zone  7B.  

When  to  plant  –  In  upper  South  Carolina,  we  can  grow  vegetables  year  round.  Seeds  can  be  started  indoors  in  February.  Many  perennials  and  annuals  are  planted  in  the  spring.  The  average  last  frost  is  April  15th.  Follow  the  recommended  planting  dates.  

Cool  Season  Vegetables  –plant  in  late  summer/early  fall  

Very  Cold  Hardy   Very  Cold  Hardy   Moderately  Hardy  cabbage   mustard   beets  carrots   onions   broccoli  collards   English  peas   cauliflower  kale   radish   turnips  lettuce   spinach      

Warm  Season  Vegetables  –  plant  in  spring/early  summer  

beans   peppers  cantaloupe   pumpkin  cucumbers   sweet  corn  eggplant   sweet  potatoes  southern  peas   squash  okra   tomatoes    

How  to  plant  –  When  planting  trees,  contact  Trees  Greenville  (Joelle  Teachey,  Executive  Director  jteachey@treesgreenville.org  ).  For  other  plants,  follow  the  instructions  on  the  plant  information  label  or  contact  Clemson  Home  and  Garden  Information  Center  at  1-­‐888=656-­‐9988  or  http://www.clemson.edu/extension/hgic/index.html.                        Make  sure  to  space  plants  properly  and  plant  at  correct  depth.  

Vegetables  started  from  seed  

Beans   Corn   Okra  Beets   Cucumbers   Peas  Cantaloupe   Lettuce   Pumpkins  Carrots   Mustard   Spinach  

 

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Harvest  -­‐  

   

13  

 

It  is  important  to  attract  bees  and  other  pollinators  to  a  garden.  http://entweb.clemson.edu/cuentres/cesheets/veg    

How Vegetables Are Pollinated

Air-borne pollen

vegetables insect-borne pollen

vegetables

Self-pollinated vegetables

Biennial vegetables

Beets Corn Spinach Swiss chard

Asparagus Broccoli Brussels Sprouts Cabbage Carrots Cauliflower Celeriac Celery Chinese Cabbage Collards Cucumber Eggplant Kale

Kohlrabi Melons Mustard Onions Parsley Parsnips Pumpkin Squash Radishes Rutabaga Turnips

Beans Chicory Endive Lettuce Peas Tomatoes

Peppers

Beets Brussels Sprouts Cabbage Carrots Celeriac Celery Collards Florence Fennel Kale Kohlrabi

Leeks Onions Parsley Parsnips Radishes, Winter Rutabaga Swiss chard Turnips

Insect,  Weed,  and  Disease  Control  Integrated  Pest  Management  (IPM)  

" Monitor  the  garden  –  watch  for  both  beneficial  and  harmful  insects  " Identify  the  problem  and  determine  tolerance    " Choose  the  best  pest  control  strategies  

o Cultural  controls  # Choose  disease  resistant  plants  recommended  for  this  area  # Choose  proper  location  and  follow  planting  procedures  # Maintain  proper  soil  management,  watering,  and  mulching  

o Mechanical  or  physical  controls  # Handpick  insects  # Pull  or  hoe  weeds  # Exclude  pests  (fence,  weed  cloth,  mulch,  traps)  # Maintain  sanitation  (remove  dead  or  diseased  plants)  

o Biological  controls  # Encourage  beneficials  like  predators,  parasites,  and  competitors  

(ground  cover)  " Use  chemical  pesticides  as  a  last  resort  

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Beneficial  Insects  

 

LADY  BEETLE  Adult  and  immature  lady  beetles  eat  lots  of  

different  types  of  pests,  including  aphids,  scale  insects  and  other  small  insects.  One  lady  beetle  can  

eat  62  aphids  a  day!  

 

PRAYING  MANTID  Mantids  have  huge  appetites!  They  eat  lots  of  different  types  of  garden  pests.  Mantids  even  

sometimes  eat  small  frogs!  

 

ASSASSIN  BUG  The  assassin  bug  eats  many  different  insects,  including  the  fall  webworm,  tent  caterpillar,  

Mexican  bean  beetle,  and  June  beetle.  

 

BRACONID  WASP  This  wasp  lays  its  eggs  in  or  on  many  different  types  of  insects,  including  caterpillars,  flies,  wasps  and  

beetles.  The  braconid  wasp  larvae  then  feed  on  the  host,  slowly  killing  it.  

 

BUMBLE  BEE  Bumble  bees  help  pollinate  the  plants  in  our  

gardens.  

 

EARTHWORM  Earthworm  poop  (called  castings)  is  some  of  the  best  fertilizer  around!  Earthworms  also  help  till  the  soil.  

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TOMATO  HORNWORM  Tomato  hornworms  are  very  large  –  

sometimes  up  to  4  inches  long!  They  can  quickly  eat  the  leaves  of  a  tomato  plant.  

 

APHID  Aphids  are  very  small  (less  than  1/8  inch).  You  often  find  them  clustered  together  on  the  stems  of  plants.  Aphids  suck  the  sap  out  of  plants  and  can  cause  disfigured  leaves,  buds  and  flowers.  

 

GRUB  WORM  Grub  worms  are  the  immature  (larval)  stage  of  many  different  kinds  of  beetles.  Grub  worms  feed  on  the  roots  of  grass,  vegetables  and  

other  garden  plants.  

 

GRASSHOPPER  Grasshoppers  have  chewing  mouthparts.  They  can  eat  large  amounts  of  plant  material  in  a  very  

short  period  of  time!  

 

JAPANESE  BEETLE  Adult  Japanese  beetles  feed  on  over  275  

different  types  of  plants.  They  quickly  eat  the  leaves.  Roses  are  a  favorite  treat!  

 

MEALY  BUG  Mealy  bugs  like  to  suck  the  sap  out  of  plants.  

They  can  often  be  found  on  indoor  houseplants.    

 

   

Insect  Pests  

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Summer:  Maintaining  the  Garden  

 During  the  summer  the  garden  needs  to  be  watered,  weeded,  and  freed  of  insects  and  disease,  and  crops  will  need  to  be  harvested.  You'll  need  plenty  of  volunteers.  Summer  school  classes  can  also  help.  Different  families  can  be  responsible  for  portions  of  the  garden  on  different  summer  weeks.  They  should  weed  or  cultivate  every  week  to  ten  days  and  water  the  garden  as  weather  conditions  dictate.  Volunteers  can  also  enjoy  the  garden's  earliest  fruits.      

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Curriculum Suggestions for School Gardens

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Reading/Language  Arts  

-­‐‑ Write,  compile  and  illustrate  a  collection  of  garden  poems  and  stories.  -­‐‑ Keep  a  garden  journal  with  observations,  ideas,  feelings,  experiments,  drawings,  etc.  -­‐‑ Study  agricultural  terms  and  use  them  for  spelling  words  -­‐‑ Put  together  a  class  newspaper  or  newsletter  about  the  garden  -­‐‑ Study  and  learn  to  use  seed  catalogs  -­‐‑ Learn  to  use  field  guides  to  identify  plants,  birds,  insects,  etc.  -­‐‑ Design  and  illustrate  a  garden  calendar  -­‐‑ Write  and  compile  a  class  gardening  book  with  gardening  skills  and  advice  -­‐‑ Contact  and  write  to  a  pen  pal  in  another  school  garden  program  -­‐‑ Write  a  report  on  a  gardening  topic  and  present  to  the  class  -­‐‑ Compile  a  log  of  daily  weather  patterns  and  put  together  a  garden  weather  log  for  a  reference  tool  -­‐‑ Write  articles  about  the  school  garden  project  and  submit  to  local  newspapers  -­‐‑ Read  the  daily  newspaper  and  bring  in  any  articles  relating  to  gardening,  food,  farming,  nutrition,  

hunger,  etc.  -­‐‑ Write  to  an  environmental  or  agricultural  organization  for  information  about  their  work  and  how  you  

can  help  -­‐‑ Design  and  print  a  flyer  to  advertise  your  garden  program  -­‐‑ Write  letters  to  businesses  to  ask  them  for  tools/other  donations  

 

Math  

-­‐‑ Measure  and  draw  up  garden  site  plans  -­‐‑ Design  a  sun  dial  -­‐‑ Keep  growth  charts  of  plants,  records  of  size  comparisons,  and  design  bar  graphs  to  illustrate  your  

findings  -­‐‑ Tally  cricket  chirps  to  estimate  temperature  -­‐‑ Keep  charts  and  records  of  seed  germination  data  -­‐‑ Measure  ingredients  for  recipes  -­‐‑ Measure  and  keep  charts  and  graphs  of  wind  speed,  rainfall  and  humidity  -­‐‑ Keep  records  of  the  weights  of  garden  harvest  -­‐‑ Chart  temperatures  in  Fahrenheit  and  centigrade  -­‐‑ Plot  a  compass  course  through  the  garden  -­‐‑ Determine  weight  and  volume  of  wet  and  dry  soil  samples  -­‐‑ Interpret  and  graph  charts  of  planting  requirements,  harvest  estimates    -­‐‑ Make  “seed  tapes”  using  paper  towels,  glue  made  from  corn  starch  and  seeds  –  use  rulers  to  measure  

space  between  seeds  and  then  plant  the  whole  thing!    

   

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Social  Studies  

-­‐‑ Study  your  state’s  agriculture  -­‐‑ Invite  a  farmer  to  the  classroom  and  interview  him/her  about  their  lives,  training  and  experiences  -­‐‑ Establish  a  recycling  center  at  the  school  for  paper,  glass  and  cans  -­‐‑ Contact,  report  on  or  volunteer  services  at  a  local  food  bank,  gleaning  project  and  food  cooperatives  -­‐‑ Study  and  report  on  planting  and  harvesting  rituals  and  folklore  -­‐‑ Interview  seniors  about  their  gardening/farming  experiences  -­‐‑ Plan  a  field  trip  to  a  farm  or  orchard  -­‐‑ Report  on  the  background  of  specific  ethnic  foods  –  where  they  come  from,  how  they  are  grown,  and  

how  they  are  used  -­‐‑ Trace  the  histories  of  familiar  plants  –  where  they  originated,  who  brought  them  to  this  country,  the  

impact  they  have  had  on  our  diets  and  how  the  original  plants  have  been  altered  -­‐‑ Study  the  contributions  of  Native  American  foods  to  American  history  and  diet  -­‐‑ Research  and  report  on  how  other  cultures  use  and  control  insects  

 

Music/Drama  

-­‐‑ Put  together  a  garden  puppet  show  illustrating  gardening  techniques  or  a  story  about  a  garden  -­‐‑ Take  a  garden-­‐themed  piece  of  children’s  literature  and  do  reader’s  theater  with  it  -­‐‑ Write  parodies  of  well  known  songs,  turning  them  into  gardening  songs  -­‐‑ Write  a  class  garden  theme  song  -­‐‑ Write  garden  poems  and  set  them  to  music  -­‐‑ Hold  a  harvest  festival  square  dance  -­‐‑ Listen  to  the  music  of  composers  inspired  by  nature  

 

Science/Nutrition/Health  

-­‐‑ set  up  and  study  a  hydroponic  garden  or  terrarium  -­‐‑ experiment  with  “planting  by  the  moon”  to  observe  its  effects  on  plant  germination  and  growth  -­‐‑ study  local  geology  and  put  together  a  display  of  the  soil  and  rock  types  found  in  your  area  -­‐‑ raise  and  then  release  beneficial  insects  into  the  garden  -­‐‑ study  an  undeveloped  section  of  the  school  yard  and  make  notes  of  seasonal  changes,  inventory  the  

plants,  animals  and  insects  that  live  there  -­‐‑ study  and  report  on  the  importance  of  beneficial  insects  and  how  to  attract  them  to  the  garden  -­‐‑ choose  an  item  of  food,  research  and  report  on  its  path  from  production  through  processing  to  

consumption  -­‐‑ grow  herbs  and  research  their  historical  and  culinary  uses  -­‐‑ study  local  agricultural  problems  (loss  of  farmland,  development  pressures,  etc.)  and  find  out  what  is  

being  done  about  them  -­‐‑ research  what  is  grown  locally  today  and  what  used  to  be  grown  -­‐‑ figure  out  how  far  your  food  travels  by  examining  a  school  lunch  meal  -­‐‑ find  out  if  any  of  the  food  served  in  the  cafeteria  is  locally  grown  and  if  not,  why  -­‐‑ ask  a  local  chef  to  come  in  for  a  cooking  class  -­‐‑ start  a  cooking  club  

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Arts  and  Crafts  

-­‐‑ make  drawings,  sketches  and  paintings  of  garden  flowers,  vegetables  or  fruits  -­‐‑ design  labels  for  plants  and  to  mark  plantings  -­‐‑ design  t-­‐shirts  for  your  garden  program  -­‐‑ design  a  logo  for  your  garden  -­‐‑ paint  rocks  to  use  as  borders  -­‐‑ do  leaf  “poundings”  –  gather  leaves  and  pound  their  color  and  shapes  onto  fabric  -­‐‑ mount  a  seed  collection  or  make  a  seed  mosaic  -­‐‑ design  and  create  a  permanent  sign  for  your  garden  -­‐‑ make  leaf,  vegetable  and  fruit  prints  -­‐‑ design  and  create  a  scarecrow  -­‐‑ make  rubbings  using  plant  leaves  and  bark  -­‐‑ use  your  native  clay  for  modeling  sculptures  -­‐‑ paint  a  garden  mural  or  farm  life  mural  -­‐‑ make  a  color  wheel  with  objects  from  the  garden  -­‐‑ put  together  a  photo  essay  of  the  garden  -­‐‑ create  and  use  natural  dyes  made  from  garden  plants  -­‐‑ design  and  build  a  garden  project:  birdhouse,  birdbath,  birdfeeder,  solar  oven,  garden  sculpture,  cold  

frame,  weather  station,  trellis,  etc.  -­‐‑ shellac  gourds  to  make  decorations  or  to  use  for  birdhouses  

                     Junior  Master  Gardeners  pounding  plants  at  Roper  Mountain  Science  Center  

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Support/Funding/Resources for School Gardens

Grants: Love  your  Veggies  School  Grant  Program  from  Hidden  Valley  Salad  Dressings  

http://www.loveyourveggies.com/school_grants.php  Hasbro  Children’s  Foundation  

http://www.hasbro.com/corporate/community-­‐relations/gifts-­‐of-­‐hope.cfm  Home  Depot  Youth  Gardening  Grants  

http://www.kidsgardening.com/YGG.asp  National  Gardening  Association  Grant  

http://www.kidsgardening.com/grants.asp  Mantis  Award  

http://www.kidsgardening.org/grants/mantis.asp  Bayer  Advanced  “Grow  Together  with  Roses”  

 http://www.kidsgardening.org/grants/rosegrant.asp  Hansen’s  Natural  and  Native  School  Garden  Grant  

http://www.kidsgardening.org/grants/naturalandnative.asp  Healthy  Sprouts  Award  

http://www.kidsgardening.com/healthysprouts.asp  Lowe’s  Outdoor  Classroom  Grant  

http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=pg&p=AboutLowes/outdoor/index.html  America  the  Beautiful  Fund  –  Free  Seeds  

http://www.america-­‐the-­‐beautiful.org/free_seeds/index.php  Heinz  Wholesome  Memories  Intergenerational  Garden  Award  

http://www.ngagardenshop.com/campaigns/show/5668          

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Informational Resources:  Love  your  veggies:  http://www.loveyourveggies.com/index.php  

Schoolyard  Habitats  –  Clemson:  http://www.clemson.edu/extension/horticulture/schoolyard_habitats/index.html  

Landscapes  for  Learning:  http://business.clemson.edu/Lflearn/  

Sandhill  Children’s  Garden:  http://www.clemson.edu/sandhill/page.htm?pageId=3134  

Junior  Master  Gardener:  http://www.jmgkids.us/  

National  Gardening  Association:  http://www.kidsgardening.org  

South  Carolina  Dept.  of  Agriculture  School  Gardens  Program:    http://agriculture.sc.gov/content.aspx?ContentID=789  

Project  Learning  Tree  (sponsored  by  the  Forestry  Commission):  http://www.plt.org/    

Project  Wild  (sponsored  by  Dept.  Natural  Resources):  http://www.projectwild.org/  

Food,  Land,  and  People:  http://www.foodlandpeople.org/index.html  

USDA  for  kids:  http://www.nass.usda.gov/Education_and_Outreach/NASS_Kids/  

Ag  in  the  Classroom  Kidszone  –  fun  site  http://www.agclassroom.org/kids/index.htm  

Farm  Service  Agency  –  information,  quizzes,  games,  etc.  http://www.fsa.usda.gov/FSA/kidsapp?area=home&subject=landing&topic=landing  

Team  Nutrition  –  USDA  Food  and  Nutrition  –  play  MyPyramid  (for  kids)  Blastoff  http://www.fns.usda.gov/tn/  

Greenville  Organic  Foods  (GOFO)  –  Grow  Healthy  Kids  Program  in  12  elementary  schools  in  Greenville       http://www.greenvilleorganicfoods.org/  Appalachian  Sustainable  Agricultural  Project  (ASAP)  

http://www.growing-­‐minds.org/  Farms  to  Schools  –  connects  schools  with  local  farms  

http://www.farmtoschool.org/  Plant  a  Row  for  the  Hungry  

http://www.clemson.edu/public/impacts/05fall/food/plant_a_row_for_the_hungry.html  Junior  League’s  Kids  in  the  Kitchen  

http://kidsinthekitchen.ajli.org/  SC  Dept  of  Agriculture  School  Gardens  

http://www.scschoolgardens.blogspot.com    

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SC.GOV  –  Kid’s  Page  http://sc.gov/Portal/Category/FACTSANDHISTORYKIDS  

Leafy  Greens  Council  –  grades  3  –  5        http://www.leafy-­‐greens.org  

Free  Pumpkin  Seeds  for  Educators  –    http://www.sadako.com/pumpkin/seeds.html  

   Other resources include

• Senior  Citizen  groups  • Garden  Clubs  • Nurseries  and  Garden  Supply  Stores  • Service  Organizations  

   

       In  an  article  at  http://www.hgtv.com/landscaping/why-­‐garden/index.html  Paul  Mckenzie,  horticulture  extension  agent  in  Durham,  N.C.  writes  In  a  world  where  conflict  and  strife  seem  to  surround  us,  gardeners  create  a  space  where  peace  and  beauty  reign.  In  a  time  of  rampant  selfishness,  gardeners  set  the  example  of  selflessness.  For  it’s  impossible  to  garden  only  for  yourself.  The  colors  and  textures  you  splash  upon  the  ground  are  soaked  up  by  all  the  birds,  butterflies  and  passersby  in  your  neighborhood.  But  mostly,  it’s  important  to  be  a  good  steward  of  a  small  patch  of  earth  and  to  know  that  you  are  one  among  millions  who  are  helping  to  heal  a  wounded  planet,  one  garden  at  a  time.