Gardening with Ms. Gardner's 4th graders

Today Ms. Gardner's class learned about seed saving, worm composting and amending the soil. In addition, they planted some native plants to attract butterflies and hummingbirds. Several kids gave examples of seed saving such as saving seeds from flowers and vegetables. Some kids had propagated plants after saving seeds. I showed them the seeds that I am saving from a red buckwheat plant.  One group of students investigated the red wriggler worms in the worm bin. Kids of all ages seem to enjoy the worms! The kids planted a red butterfly bush and two red lipstick salvia plants that will attract hummingbirds.  They planted their "butterfly garden" near the raised beds to attract these popular pollinators.  The plants in this bed will be drought tolerant once established. The kids spotted two caterpillars in the lower garden and a lizard and a Jerusalem beetle in the upper garden. Thanks to Cory and GG for assisting today.