Drawbacks to Gardening in the City

Nebraska weather is crazy!  One day it’s over 100 degrees, and the next it barely makes 70!  That’s where we have been in the last two weeks.  The kids are keeping it watered—and it is incredible!  Last week we planted sunflower seeds in plastic cups to demonstrate what roots look like and why they are important.  Everyone had sunflower spouts this week!  I explained that roots are like straws to feed plants.  This seemed to go over OK.

Yesterday, we had our first harvest—butter lettuce!  We didn’t get much—but it was great.  Some of the boys said it tasted like weeds—but it was enjoyed by ALL!

I am starting to compile a list of hurdles that may exist with gardening with child care centers.  They are not terrible, just something to consider when starting a gardening program. 

• Where do you plant your garden?  In many areas, the neighborhood does not lend itself to being safe for nice gardens—things disappear.
• If you use a raised bed—where do you get it? Also, the dirt involved is tremendous.  Our 5 raised beds took over 1200 pounds of soil!  (I know this because I hauled it all!)
• Kids love to help.  This is good and bad.  Teaching them about weeding is hard.  Watering is the same.  I finally started telling them to DROWN the plants—now they water them enough!
• Watering itself can be a problem.  Most child cares need a hose to water—and may have a lock on the faucet.  Watering on weekends is also a problem.
• The heat from raised beds on concrete can be horrific!  Placing mulch around the beds helps cut down on the heat on the beds and the kids.

These are just a few of the things I have pondered—but so far we are very excited—our eggplant has set on—cannot wait!