Lettuce Dig In: May 1 & 2, 2018Swift Creek Elementary might be 85 years old, but it is still growing! On May 1 and 2 after several years of planning and hoping, the school built its very first school garden. Although this project could have been knocked out in a couple of hours by our supportive volunteers, Swift Creek chose to get the entire student body involved in the process. And we are so glad we did! It was a great experience for everyone!
On Big Dig day (May 1), the older grades worked on building the 3 garden beds. They learned about measuring wood and how to properly measure and space plants in the garden bed. They also learned about the plants going in our garden (lettuce, carrots, tomatoes, radishes, marigolds, and so on). They even saw some power tools (a circular saw and drill) in action. On Little Dig day (May 2), the younger grades filled the garden beds with dirt and started planting. The kids learned about cups, quarts, and gallons; about the different soils going into our beds; and about the plants in the garden. They had so much fun playing in the dirt! Now that our gardens are complete, we have an outdoor classroom that our staff and students can use for years to come. This project wouldn't have been possible without our partnership with the InterFaith Food Shuttle. They will continue supporting us with teacher training next year. We'd also like to thank NetApp for their volunteers on Big Dig day, Campbell Road Nursery for the soil donations, and Home Depot in Cary for their discounts on the wood. Our theme for this 85th anniversary year has been "Swift Creek: Built for a Bright Future." With our new school garden, we are definitely living the dream! |
Big DIg: Tuesday, May 1On this day, volunteers from NetApp will be helping the students create 3 garden beds out near the kindergarten building.
1. Measure and prepare area for placement of frame 2. Measure wood 3. Cut wood 4. Check to make sure wood makes the correct size 5. Mark & Pre-drill pilot holes 6. Screw layer 1 pieces together 7. Add top layer CONCEPTS
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LiTtle Dig: Wednesday, May 2Our beds are ready! It is now time to fill them with dirt and plant those plants!
1. Move dirt to garden bed 2. Use buckets to fill the bed 3. Level / Rake the dirt in the bed 4. Dig hole for plant / seed 5. Plant 6. Water Concepts
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