Educational and Social Aspects

Our herb garden began as an experiment in the Food Science class in March 2000. Students, in teams of three, selected a packet of commercially packaged herb seeds. Part of Food Science curriculum includes a unit on the comparison of organic and traditional farming and another part highlights the many aspects of the safety of our food supply. Seeds were divided into 3 equal parts and were planted in three different soil types: 1. worm castings; 2. organic potting soil; 3. organic potting soil to which plant food (Miracle Grow) was added. Students watered and monitored the seeds, recording which soil promoted the fastest sprouting and growth. While monitoring growth, the students also researched their herb to discover culinary and medicinal uses as well as several recipes that use the herb for flavor. Each team then created an informational consumer pamphlet for their herb. The pamphlets were displayed for the community at our school’s "Evening of the Arts" — an event which displays student works.

The garden was placed outside the Family and Consumer Science Department in a courtyard that is positioned between the Sciences Department and the Gifted classroom. For the garden, the soil used was a combination of topsoil from farmland that had been idle for about five years and mushroom soil. After the seeds had sprouted and grown indoors for several weeks, students transplanted the plants into our garden. They created a plan to divide the space and labeled each herb with Popsicle sticks written with permanent markers. After additional research, additional herbs were transplanted from the Gifted teacher’s organic herb garden at her home to our garden, and marigold were added around the perimeter of the garden. Some of the additions were included to attract beneficial insects and to keep pests away. We covered the top of the garden with worm castings from our worm bin fertilizer. This worm bin has been an integral part of the Family and Consumer Science Department for the past three years. It is made of a large Rubbermaid bin and most vegetable scraps from our food labs are recycled in it. It has contributed to many people starting worm bins at their homes.

We also researched our garden maintenance and decided to attempt to reduce the possibility of weeds as much as possible. We purchased organic compost and covered the garden with a thick layer in an attempt to keep weeds down for the summer. Both teachers involved agreed to check on the garden periodically during the summer, as they make visits to school for meetings. As of this writing, only two weeds have needed to be pulled from the garden.

The Gifted Seminar students became involved by leading the research on the benefits of organic gardening, medicinal uses for herbs, and details about how best to manage our garden. The Gifted program’s curriculum includes a unit called "Futures" in which students research and explore the future of our earth and society and the interconnectedness of all creatures.

Our goal is to harvest, freeze, and dehydrate the herbs in the fall for culinary use in our Foods and Nutrition, Advanced Foods, and Food Science labs. We also plan to research how to create creams, lotions, and soaps and then make our own.

For nearly all the students, this project has been a totally new experience. While aware of composting, none had ever heard of vermin-composting and most knew little about herb use, organic gardening, integrated pest control, or companion planting. Students really enjoyed the opportunity to work outdoors during the last several days of school. While most classes were stuck inside the building in the sweltering heat, they looked forward to getting outside for some fresh air and sunshine while learning in a relaxed atmosphere. A feeling of companionship was established and students are looking forward to seeing the results of their work next fall