Dig In! 12 Easy Gardening Projects Using Kitchen Scraps Lesson Activity

Dig In! Summary

How cool would it be to have a farm-to-table experience in your library? All you need are kitchen scraps, a few supplies, the sun and recipes. The projects in Dig In! 12 Easy Gardening Projects Using Kitchen Scraps by Kari Cornell are inspiring. Gorgeous photographs and easy-to-implement plans will compel students to grow and cook food. Young chefs can join the fun by following the recipes that complement each project. Resources at the end of the book will support learners who want to garden outside.

Dig In! Lesson Activity

AASL Standards Framework for Learners: Explore/Think V.A.3. Learners develop and satisfy personal curiosity by engaging in inquiry-based processes for personal growth.

• Follow the directions to grow lettuce. When it’s ready to harvest, ask parents to donate ingredients for the “Autumn Salad” recipe. Work together to make the salad and set a long table for lunch. Add other special treats to make it a memorable meal.
• Enrich the experience further by asking learners to design a garden for their school. Ask learners what questions they have about designing a garden. Some may include:
  • “What should we think about when designing and building a garden?”
  • “What does a garden need to grow?”
  • “What are the best vegetables to grow in our area?”
  • “What materials do we need?”
  • “What size should it be?”
  • “Who will take care of it?”
  • “How will it get watered?”
  • “How do we keep harmful bugs away?”
  • “Who do we need to ask for permission to build a garden?”
• Invite a Master Gardener in to help answer questions. Find ideas in books like It’s Our Garden: From Seed to Harvest in a School Garden by George Ancona.
• Provide paper, pencils, crayons and markers to design the school gardens. Invite learners to share their designs with the class.
• Save designs and search for grants to make their plans come to life!

Check out the fun contest below to challenge learners to make gardens out of milk cartons:

Carton 2 Garden: Helping Grow School Garden Programs