October 2023

October 30, 2023 - Capillary action and Soil COMPOSITION

Today, the kids were introduced to the concept of capillary action.  Capillary action is important because that's how water and nutrients flow from soil to plants.  The students did an experiment with leaves, isopropyl alcohol, and coffee filters to learn about capillary action. In addition, the alcohol extracts chlorophyll and other chemicals that are a byproduct of a process called photosynthesis. These chemicals change with the seasons and cause the change in leaf colors.  What leaf colors will run up the coffee filter paper? You can try these experiments at home!  

Now, it's time to discuss some soil requirements that help plants grow.  A soil meter is a very helpful tool in the garden.  The one we have measures the pH, moisture, and light.  

Temperature - It's very important that seeds/bulbs are given the right environment to grow.  That's why certain seeds/plants are planted at different times of the year.  In the coming months, we will be planting daffodils, hyacinths, and tulip bulbs in the ground.  We plant them this time of year because they need to be in colder soil in order to grow well.  Soil temperatures provide growth signals for seeds, bulbs, and plants.

pH -  The soil can be acidic (high pH), basic (low pH) or neutral.  We gathered a cup from two different garden beds, and tested the pH.  Both turned out high in pH.  Looks like we have a basic soil.  We can increase the pH by amending the soil.  Perhaps some coffee might do the trick? We confirmed this by trying a tried and true farmers trick! The same soil was split into two cups and mixed with vinegar (acid) and another with baking soda (base). Bubbles formed in the soil cup with baking soda but not in the one with vinegar solution, indicating the soil is basic. Try it at home!

Moisture - You can check to make sure your plant is getting enough water.  You can stick your meter in the ground to see how deep the water is getting into the soil.  Plants like water, but not too much water.  Overwatering is a very common mistake that can lead to rotting. The color of leaves may change to yellow if plants are overwatered. Water provides growth signals for seeds and plants and water pressure (turgidity) helps keep plants upright!

Light - Some plants like a lot of sun to grow, and some like shade.  You can use your meter to see how much sunlight your plant is getting.  We also talked about chlorophyll and how it changes with the seasons based on sunlight thus causing a change in leaf colors. We will continue to learn about this through November!

All plants are different, and they like different environments.  Seed and plant labels will tell you what kind of environment is needed in order to help your plants grow.  Your plant will wake up when it's getting all the right things!

October 23, 2023 - Solar Powered Mobile

We continued to decorate the garden with some more fall crafts today.  The kids made some paper crafts to hang onto the a solar powered mobile.  They're all so creative!

We will be having a composting event next month (Nov. 6. - 17th) where the whole school will bring in green and brown material.  Please join us!  Buckets will be set up outside the office to collect the items.  Thank you!

October 21, 2023 - Saturday work day

We had a small turn out today.  Thank you to those who came!! We really appreciate the help!  Please spread the word that we need more help in the garden.  We cleared weeds to plant some spinach, peas, and fava beans. Next month, with the holiday, we'll be shifting our Saturday work day.  More details to come.

October 16, 2023 - fall crafts

We painted some pumpkins and garlands to hang up in our gardens today. 

A scarecrow was added to the kinder garden as well.  We stuffed it with pine needles.  Great way to use what we have! Thanks to those who helped out and donated supplies!

October 2, 2023 - Measurement

Check out what we have planned for the month of October!  We are currently looking for someone to lead or co-lead on 10/23 and 10/30.  Please email garden@earhartpta.org if you're able to help out.  Thanks in advance!

The kids explored the concept of measurement by using a ruler, balance scale and weights.  First, they took measurements of a block, and then they went out into the garden to choose something to measure.  They loved using the scales and trying out different weights to make it balanced with their item.  

Our science garden currently has a lot of milkweed and caterpillars are starting to appear.  With parent permission, some of the kids went home with a caterpillar.  Ms. Arena equipped them with a container and milkweed.  The kids were so excited!

There is no meeting next week, 10/9 due to staff development.  

Come beautify our school garden during our upcoming Saturday work day - 10/14 at 9:30-11:00 am.  

Here's our plan:

1) fix irrigation system in the beds we plant. Then build netting over those beds that need it. This is easily a 1.5 hr task.
2) harvest produce from both gardens if ready.
3) remove sick/dead trees from butterfly garden; trim shrubs in kinder, science, butterfly and torpical gardens,
4) weed the school walkways and tropical garden if there is an overflow of volunteers

We also look forward to decorating the gardens for the fall starting 10/16.  Let us know if you would like to help out!

See you in the garden!