In Ground

Garden Time

Submitted by sarahp on Thu, 04/25/2013 - 00:41

By:

NGA Staff

How can you tell time in the garden without using a watch? Check and see what’s blooming!

Flowers have amazing adaptations to attract pollinators. Their scent, colors, and shapes have evolved to draw these vital critters towards them, since in the process of collecting nectar, they also move pollen from flower to flower to ensure seed production and distribution.

Mother’s Day Seed Balls

Submitted by sarahp on Thu, 04/25/2013 - 00:29

By:

Sarah Pounders

Right Side Box:

Seed balls were used in ancient times but rediscovered in the 1900’s as a way to introduce vegetation on a large scale to uncultivated land such as areas devastated by fire or floods. They are also being used as part of the Guerilla Gardening movement as a way to beautify vacant lots and urban common areas.

The clay keeps the seeds from blowing or washing away, and protects them from hungry critters. It also keeps the seeds from sprouting until adequate water is available. The compost or potting soil adds a bit of nutrients to help give them a jump start.

Download instructions for making Seed Balls.

Finding a special, inexpensive gift for students to create for Mother’s Day is a challenge faced by many educators each year. Both gardening and non-gardening teachers frequently turn to plants for inspiration with popular projects like marigolds planted in small cups and paper flowers. This year, we have a way to move beyond the more traditional ideas by making trendy seed balls!

A Pirate’s Garden

Submitted by sarahp on Sat, 03/30/2013 - 00:18

By:

Sarah Pounders

Ahoy Matey! Are you looking for a fun and engaging way to capture a child’s attention outdoors? Dare to walk the plank and plant a Pirate’s Garden!

We love themed plantings as much as any kid, so when educator Carrie Ann Smith shared the idea of a Pirate’s Garden with us, we just had to pass it along. Here are some elements to include so that even the most reluctant swashbuckler will come running to the garden:

Growing a Garden Companion

Submitted by sarahp on Mon, 01/28/2013 - 02:27

By:

Sarah Pounders

I knew it was time to step up our family’s gardening efforts when my 4-year-old informed me she needed new gardening gloves because hers had dirt on them. Yikes, how did this happen?

Let There Be Peace on Earth

Submitted by sarahp on Fri, 11/30/2012 - 01:15

By:

Sarah Pounders

Right Side Box:

2013 Muhammad Ali Center Peace Garden Grant

NGA is proud to announce the 3rd year of the Muhammad Ali Peace Center Peace Garden Grant program sponsored by Yum! Brands Foundation. In an effort to help all schools sow the seeds of respect, the Muhammad Ali Center Peace Garden is designed to help schools teach lessons of peace and hunger awareness through garden activities. As a global initiative, the United States and all international locations are eligible for participation. Grants applications are due on January 2, 2013. Apply online.

Read about one of our 2012 grant recipients: Twelve Stones Community Garden.

Plant the seeds for world peace in your garden. The garden offers a laboratory for students to observe how all living things are interconnected and must stay in balance to thrive. Here are a few peace related themes you can introduce through garden programs:

The Youth Garden Grant

Submitted by sarahp on Sun, 10/28/2012 - 23:10

By:

NGA Staff

Right Side Box:

The Home Depot is the world's largest home improvement specialty retailer, with 2,241 retail stores in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, 10 Canadian provinces, Mexico and China. Visit The Home Depot Garden Club site for more information.

Plants. Soil. Shovels.

Inspiration. Motivation. Recognition.

As sponsor of the Youth Garden Grant Program, The Home Depot provides schools and nonprofit organizations with the tangible and intangible supplies needed to grow and sustain vibrant youth gardening programs.

Preservation Techniques

Submitted by RoseJM on Thu, 09/13/2012 - 14:53

Freezing Sweet Corn

By:

Rose Judd-Murray

Right Side Box:

For more information about preservation techniques and recipes visit these recommended websites:

September is a critical month for harvesting fruits and vegetables—at the peak of their taste and ripeness. One of the most important decisions is how quickly do you want to eat your produce? Many gardeners choose to eat in season, while others choose to preserve some of it for winter months.

Know Your Food

Submitted by cynthiad on Mon, 08/13/2012 - 16:05

By:

Cynthia Domenghini, NGA Staff

Right Side Box:

The 2012 Food Day School Curriculum was designed for educators as a Food Day resource that can be used in the classroom or to increase your own knowledge about what it means to Eat Real: Download the 2012 Food Day School Curriculum

Many times gardening is promoted as a way to teach youth where their food comes from. This phrase, “know where your food comes from,” is one that has received much attention and rightfully so.

Looking for Opportunities to Grow

Submitted by cynthiad on Mon, 07/16/2012 - 11:10

By:

Becky Wivagg with Cynthia Domenghini, NGA Staff

Right Side Box:

Looking for Activites to Help Youth Grow?

Download these free attachments and get your students outside!

Discover a Rain Garden (PDF) »
Discover a Sensory Garden (PDF) »

Beat the Heat: Start Early, End Late

Submitted by RoseJM on Mon, 07/16/2012 - 09:51

By:

Rose Judd-Murray, NGA Staff

It can be difficult to get motivated about maintaining the yard and garden during one of the hottest and driest summer months. There are definite dangers for young children during the most intense temperatures of the day.