Day 1 In The Greenhouse

Our first day in the greenhouse - finally!  Our class is split into two groups - one goes to the Library to do research on their project while the other group works in the greenhouse.  The group that went to the Library first got to choose from a large list of topics ranging from 'good bugs vs bad bugs', 'rainwater vs tapwater' and 'worm composting' to growing specific vegetables and herbs.  Not only will students learn research skills (and lots about their chosen topic), but also computer skills (Word, Powerpoint).  We love teaching Life Skills!

The other group that went to the greenhouse were asked to start planting the seeds that take the longest to grow. (Umm, and we added 'Cimmaron' Lettuce which apparently grows quickly).  Students made rulers out of popcicle sticks to use for measuring depth to sow and space seeds.  They got their hands dirty because they first had to add some peat to the soil we purchased.  Extra seeds were saved, min-ziplocked, and labelled. 

Getting Started



Two teachers with a keen interest in growing their own food and educating students about 'eating local' have joined together to work with a Foods 9/10 class to grow food from seed to plant and incorporate the produce in recipes students will make in the kitchen.  Ms. A. MacKenzie is a Home Economics teacher and Ms. V. Gruden is a Teacher Librarian.

We decided to use a local seed company West Coast Seeds, located in Delta, B.C. The man at the counter was very helpful and gave us a lot of information. We have ordered a class set of their catalogue so students can use it for reference.  It was decided to purchase 3 categories of seeds: vegetable, herb, and edible flower.  Since this is our first time with such a project, assignments have been created for students to complete and present to the class so everyone can learn about every aspect of greenhouses.

The list is long, but here is everything we will be growing in our greenhouse: 

Vegetables:

• Onions - Scallions (Kincho)
• Radish - Rudi
• Spinach - Bloomsdale Savoy
• Beans - Tricolor Bean Blend; Pole Beans (Georgia)
• Peppers - Patio Red (Sweet); Chilli (Hot)
• Beets - Merlin; Touchstone Gold
• Carrots - Rainbow Blen; Purple Haze
• Lettuce - Tom Thumb (Butterhead); Cimmaron

Herbs:

• Cilantro
• Basil
• Dill
• Parsley - Italian Large Leaf
• Greek Oregano
• Summer Savory
• Lavender - Dwarf Munstead

Edible Flowers:

• Viola - Johnny Jump Up
• Calendula - Indian Prince; Pacific Beauty Mix
• Nasturtium - Salad Blend
• Strawberry - Sweet Fresca