Mellichamp Elementary

Mellichamp Elementary School in Orangeburg has successfully kicked off their garden! These 1st graders have planted tomatoes, squash, zucchini, some herbs, peppers, eggplant, cucumbers and watermelons! WOW! The children were very excited to tell us about their garden and are looking forward to trying these vegetables in person. They are also gathering recipes for a cookbook collection feature all of their favorite SC vegetable dishes!! Great job!!!

NGA's How-To Videos

More great resources from the National Gardening Association!

Check out this link to find How-To videos, such as Controlling Deer, Maintaing a Vegetable Garden, and Controlling Slugs.

http://www.garden.org/howtovideos/

NGA's Weed Library

View this link to find out what weeds are growing in your garden, and helpful tips on how to get rid of them...
http://www.garden.org/weedlibrary/

National Gardening Association Free Newsletters

Easy sign up at this link to receive a monthly Kids Garden newsletter to continuously get new ideas for your school garden! You can also sign up to get Regional Gardening Reports, and store discounts:

http://www.garden.org/subscriptions/

Wondering when the best time is to plant and how long it will be until time to harvest?

This link tells you, by region, when the best weeks are to plant certain vegetables, and also has a chart telling how long they take to harvest:

http://www.clemson.edu/extension/hgic/plants/pdf/hgic1256.pdf

For example, in central S.C., soy beans should be planted between May 10-July 1, and will be ready to harvest in about 60-70 days.

Pollination Advice and Curriculum Ideas!!

Here's a link to a multitude of resources, such as classroom activities, an interactive PBS game, creating a pollinator garden, and MUCH MORE!:

http://www.pollinator.org/resources.htm

Hooked on Hydroponics grant program!

Hooked on Hydroponics is offering grant awards for 2009! You can apply for these grant opportunities until September 2009. The grants are available to schools that are planning to grown produce in a hydroponic environment. For details about the grant application and award, please visit: http://www.kidsgardening.com/grants/HOH.asp