Little voices sang to seedlings outside Heather Gast’s kindergarten classroom at Weaverville Primary School last week.
“Inch by inch, row by row, gonna make this garden grow,” the tiny chorus echoed as the students gently squeezed the roots to “wake them up” and planted the seedlings into three raised beds. It’s part of a yearly gardening tradition that connects kids to the soil, to plant life cycles, and to their food.
“I think it’s really important for kids to learn that part of their education can happen outside,” Gast said. “Working together for a big end goal and tending and helping something grow together is really important. So we’re planting kale, lettuce, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts. And we’re feeding our composting worms and learning how they enrich the soil. They’re much more excited to try vegetables after they’ve helped grow them.”
Parent volunteers knelt next to students and helped them arrange the seedlings in neat rows. They also showed the kids which foods the worms can eat and how to keep them safe.
“I like waking up the roots and digging the holes,” said Elliott, one of the kindergarteners. “I’m most excited to taste the lettuce.”
Meaghan Spacil, Elliott’s mom, came out to volunteer, saying she wanted to be part of a wholesome outdoor learning experience.
“It’s a good experience for these kids to get their hands in the dirt and the sunshine,” she said. “I value them having time outside, so this is a wonderful activity.”
Gast said the kids will don overalls and work on their garden each Thursday. It’s one of their favorite days.
“They know as soon as they walk in that it’s gardening day, and they get excited,” she said.