How to Grow Potatoes in a Bucket

What do you think about growing Potatoes in a Bucket?

The School Garden program offers a lot of ideas and teachers have done such a wonderful job with getting their students involved in gardening. We have a great idea for this upcoming year that we are sure students will love: growing potatoes in a bucket! This is a great excercise to teach them how potatoes grow and will be an easy, fun way to harvest! You may also want to use this video that teaches the process through a fun and catchy song! Good luck!



From Field to Fair

The South Carolina State Fair is introducing a new program, From Field to Fair, designed to educate, entertain and motivate consumers about the wonders – and the profound importance – of agriculture in South Carolina. Children are a large target within this program and will have the opportunity to become "Ambassadors of Agriculture."  With parental assistance, they can download and print off a Passport to Sustainability. In order to fill their passport with stamps, children must complete all 15 agricultural themed games on the From Field to Fair website.  At the completion of each game, they will be provided with a printable certificate with a cut-out to place in their passport. 

Once the passport has been completed bring it to the SC Department of Agriculture's exhibit at the SC State Fair (October 10-21, 2012) to be initiated.  Each child will receive a blue ribbon, a special picture and will get to participate in hands-on activities within the exhibit. 

This is a great program designed to connect children, and adults, with the source of their food and the process it takes in getting it to consumers.  So many people have been disconnected from this process.  Take part in "From Field to Fair" to learn more about South Carolina Agriculture and the importance it plays within our State!

Building Healthier Children

The SC School Gardens Program is an excellent tool for educating children on the many componates of agriculture.  Students across the state are learning the process of how their food is grown and the importance of buying and eating local.  All students are familiarizing themselves with the Certified SC logo and brand.  The outcome of this program has been extremely positive and will only conitunue to grow.  The Times and Democrates in Orangeburg, SC released an article that proves that educational programs in agriculture are a great success in South Carolina.

This article also introduces a new program sponsored by the SC State Fair called "From Field to Fair." This is an excellent tool to use and offers interactive programs for children.  Make sure to visit their website for more information.

School Gardens Workshop

Last week, the SC Department of Agriculture hosted a School Gardens Workshop at the Phillips Market Center at the State Farmers Market.  Guests were able to rotate between different work stations and gain ideas to help improve the programs at their schools.  After lunch, everyone visited the school garden at Heathwood Hall, in Columbia, SC. It was a successful day! Keep an eye out for other educational opportunities that could help better programs at your schools!

Pictures from the Day!

Carolina Children's Garden Event

Evening Bird Walk

Date: June 28

Time: 6:30 PM

Length: 90 minutes

All Ages

Cost: $2 per person

Come and discover the birds that are in our area in the summer. On this guided walk we will travel through several different habitats as we look for birds. Come prepared to walk 1-2 miles. Bring a water bottle and binoculars if you have them.

Carolina Children's Garden Event

Animal Habitats

Date: June 19

Time: 4:00 PM

Length: 60 minutes

Ages: 3rd-6th grade

Cost: $2 per child

See what things animals and plants need to have a good home. Explore the places around Clemson Sandhill REC that provide everything needed for animals and plants to survive.

Carolina Children's Garden Event

Freaky Frogs and Sneaky Snakes

Date: June 12

Time: 4:00 PM

Length: 45 Minutes

Ages: 4 years old-2nd grade

Cost: $2 Per Child

Are snakes slimy? When do frogs look more like fish? Using our gentle live animals, learn about the life cycles, habitats, and importance of our reptiles and amphibians.