Teachable Moments at WMS Organic Garden

The spot is gets just the right amount of sun. Along a well traveled path behind Western Middle School, the new organic garden – situated near the water supply and a well trafficked pathway that adds security as well as smiles and nods of approval.

The garden enjoyed the support of the principal, parents, teachers and local businesses like Interstate Lumber who donated materials and Round Hill Tree Service who donated the mulch.

The project was funded by a kickstarter campaign and the a generous anonymous donation. Most importantly though, the garden is a hit with the students, many of them tending the garden under the supervision of Mr. Karlsson on Wednesday mornings over the summer. 

Patricia Adams organized an organic garden at Glenville School and now, with her daughter Carina a 6th grader at WMS, the middle school benefits from her experience. Adams, whose family keeps chickens, beehives and compost piles at their home and generates virtually no garbage is a perfect for the job.

When Patch visited the WMS garden, the Adams' girls brimmed with enthusiasm for the organic garden and eager to share vegetables and details of each.

"These are the 3 sisters," said Carina Adams-Szabo of the corn planted in a raised bed along with beans and squash. "The corn supports the bean vines and the squash keeps down the weeds. They mature at different times." 

At one end of the garden, picnic tables and umbrellas are arranged to create an outdoor classroom. There is a washing station as well as sealed bins containing notebooks where students record what has been harvested and how much rain has fallen. 

"We wanted to make sure the garden would last," said Adams. "But in keeping with the organic theme, we did not want pressure treated wood. This is constructed entirely of cedar. The soil is all organic and there are triple liners of landscape fabric inside each raised bed." 

Everything is raised from seeds and the students also learn to collect their own seeds. In science teacher Michael Karlsson's science class, students planted seeds and later transplanted seedlings into the raised beds outside.

"This is our first growing season," said Melanie Lee who along with Adams serves on the PTA Green Schools Committee. The duo spearheaded the project.

"We're harvesting green beans and squash this week. But the students learn for example, a California strawberry has a carbon footprint compared to one they buy locally or grow themselves."  

The school has incorporated the organic garden into both the Afters program and as part of the curriculum. Karlsson science classes learn to do soil testing, data collection and how to identify seeds and save them.

Not ones to rest on their laurels, Lee and Adams have plans to expand the project to include compost areas outside to break down cafeteria food waste, worm-bins in the classroom, and a flower garden to attract pollinators. 

Adams and Lee are delighted to share what they have learned with volunteers from other schools interested in starting organic gardens or community members interested in collaborating. Patricia Adams email is pfkadams@yahoo.com and MelanieLee can be contacted at Melplp@aol.com.