Preparing to plant a tree...and finding worms!
This spring marked the beginning of an exciting journey at Gardner Farmschool. In our inaugural season, we transformed a humble patch of ground into a vibrant educational garden. The rows of green sprouts and the laughter of children discovering worms in the soil have already made the space feel alive with possibility.
Our very first year brought out volunteers of all ages – from experienced local gardeners to curious middle-schoolers – all working side by side to build raised beds, mix compost into soil, and sow the first seeds. By the end of that year, we had the makings of a community oasis: neat beds planted with tomatoes, lettuce, sunflowers, corn, beans, watermelon, carrots and more, each labeled by hand. It was hard to tell what was brighter – the young plants stretching toward the sun or the proud smiles on our students' faces.
After only a few weeks, we began to see (and taste) the fruits of our labor. Students who had never grown a thing before were delighted to find tiny green tomatoes and peppers appearing on the vines they water each morning. In one of our first garden classes, we harvested strawberries, mint, and basil to create a simple farm-fresh snack, giving kids a chance to try vegetables they'd never eaten.
“I didn't know I could eat from outside!” one surprised 10-year-old exclaimed.
Moments like these are exactly why Gardner Farmschool exists – to open minds and expand palates through hands-on experiences. We've also integrated art into our activities; during a weekend workshop, children painted colorful signs for each garden bed (our zucchini and bean patches now sport creative, hand-painted markers that make everyone smile). Every day in the garden offers a new lesson, whether it's a science insight (observing how pollinators help our cucumber plants) or a life lesson (learning patience as we wait for that first ripe strawberry).
How You Can Get Involved
Creative contributions: a volunteer helped us paint garden signs to label our crops.
The growth of Gardner Farmschool so far has truly been a community effort, and we're enthusiastic about welcoming more friends and supporters into our garden family. If you're inspired by our mission, there are several ways to get involved:
Volunteer in the Garden
We host regular volunteer days where you can roll up your sleeves alongside us – planting, weeding, watering, and building new garden features. It's a fantastic opportunity to learn gardening skills and meet like-minded neighbors. (No experience required – we love introducing beginners to the joy of gardening!)
Share Your Expertise or Resources
Are you a seasoned gardener, a teacher, a chef, or an artist? Consider leading a workshop or activity at the Farmschool. Whether it's teaching kids how to compost, cook a healthy recipe from the garden, or create nature-inspired art, community experts help enrich our program. We also gladly accept donations of gardening tools, seeds/seedlings, or supplies to keep our educational garden growing strong.
Spread the Word
Something as simple as telling a friend about Gardner Farmschool or sharing our posts on social media helps our community grow. We want to reach more families and educators who could benefit from farm-based learning. Your voice can help connect new participants or supporters to our cause.
Support Our Mission
As a nonprofit, we rely on community support. A small donation can go a long way – from buying soil and seeds to funding student field trips to local farms. We're grateful for any contributions that help sustain and expand our educational offerings. (Keep an eye on our website for upcoming fundraisers and events – like our fall harvest festival!)
Building Community Through Gardens
Already, we've seen how a garden can pull a community together. School gardens and student farms have a ripple effect – the positive impacts extend far beyond the garden gate. They strengthen the fabric of communities by bringing people into closer connection. At Gardner Farmschool, parents drop by after school just to see what's new in the garden, and grandparents volunteering with us share stories of how farming was done in their youth. These interactions create understanding across generations and backgrounds. We're incredibly proud that our little farm school is becoming a place where everyone's knowledge and help is valued.
Looking Ahead
Looking ahead, we have big dreams for Gardner Farmschool. In 2026, we plan to start a weekly farmers' market stand run by our students, so they can experience selling the produce they've grown (and our neighbors can take home ultra-local veggies). We're also developing a curriculum to work with local elementary teachers – integrating garden projects with science and health lessons in school. Ultimately, our vision is to see Gardner Farmschool grow into a lasting community hub, where learning is always interactive and where everyone is welcome to dig in and discover something new.
Thank you for being part of our journey so far.
Whether you've volunteered in the garden, cheered us on, or are just now learning about us, your interest means the world. Together, we are planting seeds – not just for vegetables, but for healthier kids, resilient communities, and a more sustainable future. We invite you to join us in watching those seeds grow.
Stay tuned to this blog for more updates, success stories, and upcoming events at Gardner Farmschool. Let's keep growing, learning, and thriving together!