Lessons Cultivated in School Garden

Mary, Mary quite contrary, how does your garden grow? That’s what the 5th graders at Palm Bay Elementary are learning!  

Last year, with the support of Brevard Public Schools’ Food and Nutrition Services, the background work for the school’s garden began. PBE’s Partner In Education Coordinator, Barbi Miller, collaborated with several business partners and friends of PBE to purchase supplies and build raised beds for a school garden. Science teacher Nicole Ambrosino jumped on board to head the gardening project with her students.

When this school year began, PBE’s 5th grade Li'l Pirates started the work to help the school garden become a reality. In this time of COVID restrictions, outdoor education is more important than ever. First, these young scientists worked hard to prepare the planter boxes for growing.

Students simultaneously planted seeds in their classroom with hopes of growing radishes, tomatoes, cabbage and basil. A month later, their seedlings were planted in the raised garden beds outside. Students waited anxiously to see what would happen next! They tended to their plants with enthusiasm, checking on them often and adding water when needed.

The seeds became small plants and the plants grew little by little until there was a full-grown vegetable ready to pick. The first pick of the season was a beautiful radish. Unfortunately, it wilted and the children didn’t have a chance to taste it. Instead of seeing it as a disappointment, the kids realized there was a lesson. The radish didn’t grow fully underground and therefore, didn’t develop properly. 

“It’s okay because that’s how we learn to be better farmers,” said one fifth grader. “I am blooming and flourishing as I learn. Our plants and us grow every day as we get the nutrients we need.”

In addition to the science lessons from growing a garden, students are learning about themselves. 

“I burst with pride as our plants grow and flourish, and it makes me feel good and warm inside,” said another young scientist. 

Palm Bay Elementary’s Li’l Pirates recently reflected on their garden lessons. These words are out of the mouths of babes:

“Given enough time and the right environment, we can all do great things!”

“When plants get bigger, they can serve their purpose they were meant to, just like us. We need the right environment to grow, just like our plants!”

“I feel like the plants are happy and they are flourishing because we are taking care of them!”

“Like plants, we grow. We both start off like babies, little then big!”

“I feel so happy that the plants are growing just like us. We’re growing, they are growing; we’re all growing, just in different ways!”

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