School gardens offer a unique opportunity to combine science, math, and healthy eating habits into a fun and rewarding experience for students of all ages. This blog looks at 4 easy vegetables to get you started. From planting basics to harvesting delicious rewards, this guide will equip you with the knowledge to cultivate a thriving school garden that fosters a love of learning and healthy living in your students. So, grab your trowels, teachers, and let’s get growing!

1: Snap Peas

These delightful peas are a fantastic choice for beginner gardeners.

  • Planting: Snap peas prefer cooler weather, so aim for early spring or fall planting. Plant seeds directly in the soil about 1 inch deep, spaced 2-3 inches apart. Provide a trellis or fence for the climbing vines.
  • Care: Water regularly, especially during hot weather. Keep the soil moist but not soggy.
  • Harvest: Peas are ready to pick when the pods are plump and bright green. Your students will love popping them right off the vine and enjoying the sweet, fresh flavor!

2: Cherry Tomatoes

Tiny, juicy, and bursting with flavor, cherry tomatoes are a hit with kids of all ages.

  • Planting: Plant seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost, or purchase seedlings from a nursery. Cherry tomatoes thrive in warm weather, so wait until the danger of frost has passed before transplanting outdoors. Space plants 18-24 inches apart and provide a stake or tomato cage for support.
  • Care: Water regularly and fertilize every few weeks according to the package instructions.
  • Harvest: Tomatoes are ready to pick when they turn a vibrant red (or yellow, orange, depending on the variety). This is a great opportunity to teach students about color recognition!

3: Cucumbers

These refreshing vegetables are a fun addition to salads and sandwiches, and the climbing vines add a touch of whimsy to your garden.

  • Planting: Cucumbers are warm-season vegetables. Plant seeds directly in the soil after the last frost has passed. Space plants 3-4 feet apart and provide a trellis or fence for support.
  • Care: Cucumbers require regular watering, especially during hot weather. Mulch around the base of the plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
  • Harvest: Cucumbers are ready to pick when they are firm and reach a mature size for the variety you planted.

4: Lettuce

Lettuce is a versatile and fast-growing green that’s perfect for introducing students to the concept of “cut-and-come-again” harvesting.

  • Planting: Lettuce thrives in cool weather. You can plant seeds directly in the soil in early spring or fall. Scatter seeds fairly close together and then thin them out to about 6 inches apart once they germinate.
  • Care: Water regularly and keep the soil moist. Lettuce prefers partial shade, so consider planting it near taller plants that will provide some afternoon shade.
  • Harvest: You can start harvesting outer leaves as soon as they reach a usable size. The beauty of lettuce is that you can keep harvesting throughout the season, allowing for multiple meals from a single planting!

These are just a few of the many vegetables that can thrive in your school garden. With a little planning and these easy-to-care-for options, you can create a vibrant, educational space that will engage your students and provide them with a sense of accomplishment and a connection to healthy eating.

We also have loads of plant themed investigations that you can use alongside developing your school garden.

Check out our outdoor plant investigations here.

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