This month, we are harvesting peppers, herbs, green beans, tomatoes, kale, lettuce, and bok choy! Students are learning about intercropping (grouping different crops in each area of the garden to maximize yield, support soil microbes, and avoid pest infestations). Young gardeners are also becoming aware of the term agroforestry, as we cultivate some additional trees in the garden that synchronize well with the crops we are growing. You might notice our finch feeders when you visit the Sunrise garden, which is a part of our integrated insect management lessons (the finches have made quick work of the aphids in the green veggie crops).
This month, we are planting moringa trees, adding more hanging baskets, and developing a moon garden - which consists of plants with white flowers to support our nighttime pollinators, such as moths & bats. We are also learning about seed saving as flowers and summer crops begin to develop mature seeds and dry up. Students have fun titling their seed packets with creative seed names!
As we enjoy watching the beautiful mission figs ripen and smelling/tasting different varieties of mint: peppermint, apple mint, and spearmint, we are reminded that it’s good to live in Arizona where we can garden all year long, and it’s always good to be at Sunrise!
For more information about garden activities or to volunteer for Garden Club on Tuesdays from 11-1, email or text Nkechi, our FFO Garden Coordinator: nkechidiallo@gmail.com (509)879-7639
