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Lesson Title: Introduction to Greenhouse Gardening Topic Why use a greenhouse, basic soil quality, garden planning and

planting

Objectives Interns will demonstrate knowledge of basic soil quality and types Students will illustrate knowledge of garden planning by designing a small plot Working in groups, students will plant vegetables in a small greenhouse plot Required Materials A greenhouse Three soil type samples labeled A, B, and C Paper with printed outline of greenhouse plot dimensions Varying seed types and starts for planting Example of previously planted greenhouse plot for illustration Garden trowels for planting Labels for planted greenhouse plots Introduction Why do we grow vegetables in a greenhouse? (Extended growing season, increased temperature, protection from elements, control humidity) How do we ensure an abundant garden? (Good quality soil, appropriate nutrients, regular watering, proper spacing of plant rows) How do we identify quality soil? (Show soil samples, explain characteristics, and explain nutrient content) Once we have determined there is adequate soil available, where do we go from here? (Planning and planting) Does anyone know how to plan a garden? How do you plant seeds vs. plant starts (seeds are planted close to surface with about 3-4 per hole, starts are planted evenly spaced in a hole a few inches from surface) Sequenced Activities /Tasks Introduction (10-15 mins) Begin with looking at/passing around soil examples, explaining pros and cons for growing vegetables in each type. Then have interns examine soils contained in greenhouse, get their hands dirty by digging around and look for worms, pests, etc, and begin a basic discussion about the quality of the greenhouse soil. (aprox. 20 mins) Once adequate soil quality is determined, begin to move the lesson to garden planning. Discuss what plants work well adjacent to one another (pest aversion, size of plants, etc.), and how individual crops need to be rotated for the seasons and to have adequate growing space for differing vegetables at varying times. Show example of previous year CSA garden plan and completely planted plot and how that plan evolved over the course of the season, and direct students into small groups to begin planning plots to be planted later in the lesson. Distribute materials to groups, and have them plan a portion of each greenhouse plot for the first shares of the CSA, based on the available seeds/ plant starts

available, shareholder size, and amount of space required for each vegetable type. (aprox. 45 mins) Reunite the entire group after greenhouse plots have been planned, and give short lesson on how to plant seeds and starts. Ask if there are any questions, and answer if there are any. Direct students back to their groups and have them plant their plots, as well as, encourage them to label what they planted. (aprox. 45 mins-1hour)

Closing Reaffirm that concepts of soil have been learned by a quick recap/ question answer session. Give congratulations on planning and planting. Then remind learners that in order to keep their garden growing they will need to continually water their seeds/plants daily. In addition, students will possibly need to add nutrients through soil amendments (compost), worms, or water soluble nutrients. Assessment Strategies Student learning will be assessed by a question and answer session about soils, and an identification of soil types. In addition, comprehension of garden planning will be demonstrated in the provided activity of the group planning of a greenhouse plot. Implementation of this plan will be demonstrated through the experience of planting the plot, and comprehension of planting seeds and starts will be demonstrated through this as well. Adaptations ESL: Translation of words, use of pictures, use of peer helpers, physical demonstration of planning and planting, and participatory work. Special Needs: Diagrams, special audio, if needed. Advanced: Explore deeper the concepts of soil quality, nutrient contents, and soil amendments. Perhaps include ways in which to test soil quality.

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