June is National Fruit and Veggie Month, so in honor of that, I’ve decided to plant a small 4′ x 4′ garden… yes in June. For most teachers, March, April and May becomes too hectic to plan and plant a garden. But with this easy 4 x 4 garden template, you can plant a garden this summer! Join me, it’s not too late.
Since it’s not too hot yet in Oregon, I can sow lettuce seeds directly into the ground. However, I purchased small herb and tomato plants from Home Depot to transplant into my 4 x 4 garden. You may choose to purchase all starter plants, however you decide to begin will be PERFECT!
C’mon give gardening a try! As my dad has always said…”it’s good to dig in the dirt”.
Gardening is truly good for the soul. It will give you time to think about how important it is to teach your students happy and healthy living! Think of your small summer garden as a “hands-on” teaching workshop, that yields homegrown goodness for you and your family to enjoy!
This little template for a manageable bed gives you enough room for the pleasure of a summer garden without too much work or expense.
As you are happily planting and harvesting your own small garden this summer, think about ways you can get your classroom and/or school involved in a Farm to School Program:
These programs connect schools with local farms. The objectives: improving student nutrition, providing health and nutrition education opportunities that will last a lifetime, and supporting local small farmers. You will be an expert and a hero, because of your own “summer garden hands-on workshop”. 
Next school year, share with your classroom your own gardening experience. With your new expertise it will be easy to facilitate a Farm to School Program. “School gardens are outdoor classrooms where children explore nature and grow their own food. Gardens provide an opportunity to integrate lessons in science, math, reading, environmental studies, nutrition, and health. Research shows, children who grow fruits and vegetables are more likely to eat those fruits and vegetables.”
You’re an amazing teacher, and again, we THANK YOU!
Happy summer! Now let’s go dig in the dirt!
