Eating a Rainbow

Week Five:  Nutrition

Lesson: This week in the garden we had a guest speaker, Megan Hartshorne, a nutrition consultant for LBUSD. Megan taught the kids about the variety of produce that is available in the winter, including citrus, root vegetables, and squash. The kids got to try different colored carrots, roasted butternut squash, blood oranges, grapefruit and navel oranges. Next time you're shopping, why not pick up some purple carrots, a pomelo instead of a grapefruit, or make "spaghetti" from squash? It's fun for kids to try different varieties of common foods.

To learn more, check out Agriculture in the Classroom.


Thanks to Alison for bringing organic oatmeal cookies for snack!

Garden: We fed out worms again today. They got rotten cauliflower, carrots, brussels sprouts, and mushrooms. Thanks to Chanel for bring an avocado peel to throw in as well.

Volunteer: We are looking for parents, grandparents, residents to help us build rabbit-proof fencing for the garden. It is critical to stop them from eating everything we plant! Please let me know if you can lend a hand. The workday will take place on a Saturday morning this spring. Date TBD.

Appearance vs. Taste

Week Four: Fruits and Vegetables



Lesson: This week we learned that the way something looks doesn't usually affect the way it tastes. We  compared and contrasted three different varieties of apples according to look, feel, size, shape, color, and sheen. The kids voted on which on they thought would taste best according to its appearance. Most liked the look of the Pink Lady. Then we did a taste test. Most liked the taste of the Granny Smith. I encouraged kids to try different varieties of foods that they normally eat. You never know if you like something until you try it!

Garden: We fed our worms some moldy zucchini, spinach, and bell peppers. We also added some new plants to our Fairy Garden (the girls love this!). They even built a house for the fairies. If anyone wants to donate some fairy furniture, they would be thrilled! We discovered a cute little frog hiding in the garden.

Volunteer: We always encourage parents to join us in the garden. If you have time to lend a hand, please let me know. No green thumb required.

Garden Color Wheel

Week Three: Landscape Design

Lesson: This week we talked about landscape design and how color is used to plan a garden. We looked at the color wheel and the students tried to find various colors growing in the garden. They were amazed at how many colors actually grow in nature...not just green and brown!

Gardening: We planted rainbow radishes and carrots. In a couple of weeks, we should see what colors we get. Forget the traditional orange carrots and red radishes.

Vermicomposting

Week Two: Vermicomposting

Lesson: Worm Hotel
This week we talked about composting with worms. We do have a worm bin in the garden at El Morro. I showed the kids the worms (red wigglers) and taught them what they do and do not eat. We fed them vegetable scraps and gave them a fresh bed of moistened newspaper. EXTRA CREDIT: If your child brings worm food to garden club, he/she will earn a Star Buck!!!

Gardening: We planted an herb garden that included rosemary, dill, parsley, and cilantro.

Reminder: Here are the rules of the garden. Please be sure that you and your child are aware of what is expected of them in the garden.