Recently, our Master Gardener Volunteers and I had the wonderful opportunity to visit Sun Grove Montessori School. We introduced students to the joys of vegetable gardening. Gardening is more than planting seeds. It’s a hands-on way to learn about nature, nutrition, and patience.

Teaching Kids the Basics of Gardening

At the school, we guided students through the basics of starting their own vegetable garden. Choosing the right vegetables is key. We suggested quick-growing, easy-to-care-for plants like okra, pumpkin, and tomatoes. These plants are perfect for small gardens and short attention spans. Understanding seasonal planting is also important. Leafy greens like lettuce and kale thrive in cooler months. Tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers do best in warmer weather. We discussed seed depth, spacing, and watering tips to help seedlings thrive. Finally, we talked about healthy soil and why this is so important for our plants.

Why Gardening Matters for Kids

Gardening helps children develop responsibility as they care for plants daily. They also gain hands-on science experience by observing plant growth, weather, and soil health. In addition, growing their own food encourages healthy eating habits. Gardening can even inspire environmental stewardship, teaching kids to appreciate and protect nature.

How Master Gardeners Serve the Community

Our program is about more than teaching kids. Master Gardeners volunteer their time to:

• Offer community gardening workshops.
• Provide home gardening advice through UF/IFAS Extension.
• Assist schools and community gardens with educational talks about planning and planting.
• Promote sustainable gardening practices in our county.

If this inspires you, consider joining the Master Gardener Volunteer program. Through hands-on training, you can learn about horticulture. You can help your community and even lead educational programs like the one at Sun Grove Montessori School.

Start Your Own Vegetable Garden

Watching kids’ eyes light up when they plant their first seed is a reminder of the joy and importance of gardening. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or aspiring gardener, there’s always something new to learn and share in the garden.

Thinking about starting your own vegetable garden? This helpful infographic shows which vegetables are best to plant or transplant this month.

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