This week we are interrupting our normal programming on WASTE REDUCTION to bring you a SPECIAL episode by my friend, Farmer Jenn, from Birch Lane Elementary School in Davis! Students will learn about how cover crops can magically improve poor garden soil in a few months.

Students will learn about waste reduction so that they can challenge themselves to "shrink their trashcans” by REDUCING, REUSING, and REPURPOSING. The lesson includes some simple arithmetic exercises, links to a Halloween craft made from repurposed materials, a link to a reading of a Curious George book about repurposing rubbish, and a short quiz (in the form of a Google Form).

Americans generate an average of 4.5 pounds of waste every day, a greater amount per person than in any other country! Where does all our waste go?

Garden coordinators from all over Davis are collaborating this year to provide garden content to students! Here's the first video produced under the umbrella of Davis Farm to School! In this video, kids will meet our wonderful coordinators and learn how to transplant winter veggies.

Looking for a simple garden project? Try growing microgreens! Simply stated, microgreens are young sprouts of plants that are grown in a container on soil (or a soil-less medium such as a paper towel or a jute fiber pad). Harvested only 3 weeks after germination, they are tender, flavorful, and purportedly full or nutrients. I enjoy them as a fun green "sprinkle" on a sandwich or fried egg.