According to the USDA Farm to School Census (https://farmtoschoolcensus.fns.usda.gov/), school gardening across the country is on the rise. Research continues to show that engaging students in gardening promotes healthier eating habits, improves mental and physical health, builds awareness in agriculture and horticulture career opportunities, builds a sense of community and belonging, and provides a safe space for hands on experimental learning (https://www.naae.org/profdevelopment/magazine/archive_issues/Volume95/2023%2005%20--%20May%20June.pdf0 ) Campbell County Horticulture Agent, Sarah Imbus, provides 3 local Elementary schools opportunities to build curiosity about gardening with monthly hands on activities to engage students in science.  

From September -May, school garden clubs are held at Reiley Elementary located in the southern, more rural part of the county with 95 kindergarteners, Woodfill Elementary in the northern more urban community working with 96 third graders and Johnson Elementary, also in the northern more urban community working with 25 fourth and fifth graders.

Reiley elementary program topic revolved around hydroponics. Digging in and identifying what “hydro” means and compared and contracted hydroponic growing system to traditional growing in the ground. Each program started with using the Wally Cat A-Z Fruit and Vegetable Coloring Book from SNAP, followed by following the Super Food Smoothie Recipe From Eat Smart to Play Hard from SNAP. As children colored, we reviewed the recipe ingredients and where were grown. Kindergarteners recognize all ingredients and they read the recipe while I prepared the smoothie (we spent time on reading comprehension and phonics). Each child tried the recipe even with the SPINACH. Students learned the importance of the vitamins and how a balanced diet is import for health.

Extension provided a Grow Tower System (as shown above)  growing spinach, herbs and lettuce hydroponically. This tool provided a space for continual observation and conversation between students and teachers about and the science of using water, not soil and the curiosity of plant care. Students followed a 4-H take home Hydroponics activity, so they could experiment with at home with their family and friends. Over all, the teachers were impressed with this program and how the hydroponic program increased their science curiosity and engaging students with making smoothies increased their likelihood not only try and like it, but also wanted to make it again at home.

    Third graders at Woodfill Elementary garden club is in their sixth year. For the first time, students went on a farm tour at SpringCreek Farm in Maysville, KY to experience organic farm life. Students toured high tunnel systems where cool season crops were growing. Students were also engaged students learning about composting, water conservation while exploring a natural stream. Students also toured a greenhouse which showcased seed starting and why and how farmers start plants from seed. Students seeded lettuce which will then be sold at the local Farmers market on May 8, 2024 for a fundraiser for their school project: inclusive playground. The support and partnership with the farmers market and local producers has been a great asset to connect growing and showcasing local food systems. Their project has been an inspirational project which recently received a $20,000 donation. Extnesion will continue teaching youth at Woodfill Elementary about growing plants while engaging students on where their food comes from. Teacher Donna Hicks said, “What an incredible experience for the kids!  The vast majority had never been to a working farm. They were impressed and awed that the tiny little seed that they planted could end up being a head of lettuce ready for sale.”

Johnson Elementary afterschool garden club monthly programs is focusing on environment and horticulture science. Collaborating with local sanitation district (SD1), students were engaged with Enviro-scape display while identifying point source pollutants in our communities and identifying solutions. For their final school project, students will retain their knowledge about plant selection, plant care, and maintenance to incorporate into their outdoor classroom. Mrs. Booth, Science teacher at Johnson Elementary share that her school was “Voted KAEE’s 2023 Outstanding school for excellence in Environmental Education” and Mrs. Booth shared that this program has been instrumental in this accomplishment!

As school gardens continue to rise, Extension in Campbell County will continue to provide research based information to our community youth to engage them into gardening and agriculture.