Earlier this summer, one of the preschoolers in my home daycare planted some purple beans in a container. They grew abundantly, and we have harvested them, along with tomatoes, potatoes, herbs, and flowers. We are now making room for our fall garden.
Purple beans
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If you’re already reaping your bountiful harvest, that’s fantastic. But if you didn’t get around to planting a summer garden, don’t be too hard on yourself. There’s still time to roll up your sleeves, get your hands in the soil, and enjoy the beauty of gardening this fall.
nasturtium flowers
Fall gardening offers unique opportunities for children that a summer garden might not. Children can spend more time outdoors in cooler temperatures, actively engaging with the garden. While harvesting or learning with pumpkins, your outdoor garden can come alive with vibrant colors from fall plants and vegetables, adding a unique touch to your outdoor learning space beyond the pumpkins and apples synonymous with the season. My friend, this will create a rich sensory and engaging experience in your outdoor classroom.
basil
Here are some plants you can still grow during this season. They can tolerate temperatures up to the first frost:
- Kale
- Lettuce
- Radishes
- Carrots
- Spinach
- Beets
- Nasturtiums
- Arugula
- Swiss chard
- Mustard greens
- Bok choy
- Green onions
Remember, container gardening is perfect for small spaces or for those just starting out. Gardening should be fun – don’t let it overwhelm you.
carrots
If your school takes summer breaks, you might have returned to crops that didn’t fare well, whether eaten, wilted, or didn’t thrive. We experienced that, too—squirrels completely devoured our corn, and we were only gone for two weeks! But don’t let that discourage you. Fall gardening is a chance to refresh and bring new life to your garden.
corns devoured by squirrels – they did not leave any for us 😐
I’m working hard to get some crops in the garden for fall; wouldn’t you love to do the same? A fall garden can bring fresh excitement and joy to your educational environment, benefiting both you and your students. Let’s keep growing together! 🌱
Until next time, I am your educator in the trenches with you – xoxo Miss Sue
