School Gardens Sprout Up

When children grow their own food, they become empowered in many ways. Research shows that children who grow their own food have a deeper understanding of ecology, receive higher test scores in science and have a healthier diet because they tend to eat more fruits and vegetables.

Learning environmental stewardship at a young age is important and gardens are a great way to teach kids that their actions can have a beneficial impact. There are nearly 4,000 school gardens in California alone and the number is growing yearly.

In this short video, Gardening Educator Bill Palmisano talks about his work at a local elementary school garden, picks lots of gigantic and yummy carrots with students and shows the trench composting that they use to prepare planting beds. Nutritionist and Organic Chef Carrie Clough shares her thoughts about why gardening is so important to learn at a young age and some of its many benefits.