Edible School Garden
This pro-bono project with a not-for-profit preschool was both rewarding and super cute. The school had a derelict veggie patch with compacted, humus-deficient soil. They struggled to grow anything (no wonder given the state of the soil) and were about to spend big to have the old soil taken away, and new soil delivered.
Rather than spending money on new soil, we educated them on soil remediation. Samples were collected and analysed, thereafter an action plan was created. Compaction was dealt with manually (augered), the base layer clay pan was corrected with gypsum, and additions of biochar, mineral rock dust, and compost, an other organic material were used. The beds were, well, put to bed, and rested with a thick cover of mulch while we built worm towers in each bed for in-ground composting.
The best part about this project was that the kids got to help and get their hands dirty during the process. The most fun was had when it came time to add the worms to the compost towers - I’m told we used “dancing worms”. Over the time spent with the school, I saw many a delightful site - like the kids/students absolutely fascinated by how slaters can roll up into a ball!
Eventually, the students helped to plant and care for the seedlings, watch them grow, and, the exciting part - they got to harvest the fruits of their labour and cook with them!
Note: the cuties with faces not blanked out are mine, just saying so that I don’t receive any emails.
Before - the soil was compacted, dry, and lifeless, with a deep clay layer affecting drainage. We helped by bringing to life the Ecology of the soil system.
After - this Strawberry patch was LOVING it - a vermicast tea with a low pH (5.8 - 6.2) and a mulch of dried pine needles were used to give the strawberries an environment that they love thrive in.
During - Introducing the "dancing" worms! This would had to of been the kids favourite activity! The worms got settled into their new homes and soon got about their very important business.
Looking good + one of three worm towers in-situ.
Checking on how the worms are settling in.
Climbing snow peas heading for the sky in healthy soil.
Strawberry thief caught in action. Although, she/he is welcome evidence of a healthy ecosystem.
Roast cauli and cheese - yum!
Kids were not totally happy with the broccoli but hey, greens are most important, and they got to learn how much better they taste when you grow them yourself.