Ms. Fein's 2nd Graders Plant in the Salsa Garden

Today Ms. Fein's 2nd graders planted in the Salsa Garden.  We introduced the lesson in the classroom. Several children knew that salsa means sauce in Spanish.  We also discussed the ingredients in salsa. We're planting tomatoes, cilantro, jalapeno peppers, onion and garlic.

Ms. Marie showed the children a good way to plant a tomato seedling to make a stronger plant-take off the bottom 1/3 or 1/2 stems and leaves and flowers and then plant the seedling up to the current bottom branch. All of the hairs on the stem and the places where the other leaves and branches were will become roots.  The children helped plant the seedlings.

Children also planted seeds of cilantro and jalapeno pepper, onion starts and some garlic. They learned that you plant the seed twice as deep as the seed is wide. In the case of these seeds they barely cover them.

We put tomato cages around the plants to keep the branches and fruit off of the ground. Tomorrow we'll put a cover on top of the seeds to keep them warmer and help them germinate more quickly. Thanks to Ms. Ashley for helping.

After planting the children enjoyed a snack of salsa and tortilla chips. This food was generously donated by Gelson's Market, one of our community sponsors.  When the children harvest the vegetables as 3rd graders they will make their own salsa!

Planting a Sun Gold tomato seedling

Planting jalapeno pepper seeds donated by Renee's Garden Seeds