The School Garden Journal, v.1, Issue 7

You know fall is here when Napa Valley gets a light rain. I was not in town for the first drizzle of the season, but I can imagine the dewey smell. The first rain always feels so refreshing, just that little bit of moisture to capture the dust and pollen and give those drought-tolerant plants a quick drink.

Humidity brings a reprieve from the heat, but it also harbors pests. Keep an eye on your crops, especially fungus damage on cucurbits (e.g., powdery mildew). Be prepared to remove infected plants earlier than expected. This year, the fall equinox is on 9/23, but the shift in weather has already signaled senescence, the loss of cell growth and division.

Read on for more fall school garden news, events, and opportunities...

Latest Blog Post: How Do You Like Your Zs?

On September 5th, third grade students tasted raw and steamed zucchini and practiced using tools that grate, ribbon, and spiralize. Photo Credit:Talia Godinez, Teacher, Pueblo Vista Magnet School.

The Napa Valley School Garden Network is preparing to evaluate The Z Project, a garden-to-cafeteria pilot! Join the debrief conversation on September 23rd at 3:30 pm at NOSH (1360 Menlo Ave.). Tour of the new NVUSD central kitchen to follow. Growers strongly encouraged to attend. All others welcome! Not able to attend? You can read about The Z Project in the Napa Valley Register.

Community Appearances

National Heirloom Exposition

Carrie and Marisol engaged nearly 400 children with two kid-friendly activities as part of the Kids' Pavilion hosted by the Sonoma School Garden Network on September 10-12th in Santa Rosa.

Fun, eco-friendly activity for teaching about cover crops.

UC Master Gardeners of Napa County

Come make a "Mustard Monster" and explore more than 20 educational booths showcasing creative master gardener projects and select nonprofit organizations at the second Fall Faire on October 5th.

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Featured Lesson: Decomposition Mission

In this activity, students investigate the fascinating and complex process of decomposition and lay the foundation for deeper understanding of concepts related to matter and energy transfer in ecosystems.

Fall Gardening Resources

• Kids Gardening Put Your School Garden to Bed

• MSU Extension Cover Crops as a Learning Tool in School Gardens

• North Coast Journal Growing Gorgeous Garlic

In this course, participants will collaborate to develop leadership capacity to sustain school gardens. Using a Professional Learning Community (PLC) model, learners will read and discuss school garden research, examine and critique school garden curriculum, and plan and prepare a final project.

Professional Learning Opportunities for Teachers

• September 26th: School Garden Support Organization Network is introducing the webinar, Volunteer Management and Community Support

• October 9th Soil Born Farms staff are teaching this one-day intensive: Plan, Design and Build a School Garden.

• October 13th: Life Lab is offering an exclusive Santa Cruz County Educator rate to their 40th Gala Dinner (Educator Discount Code: GalaEdu2019)

• October 19th: The School Garden Doctor is facilitating a new course, Sustaining School Gardens Using a Professional Learning Community (PLC) Approach.

• October 29th: UC Master Gardeners of Napa County will present the Learning Hour, Fall Basics: Garlic, Cover Crops, and Fall Soil Preparation.

• November 9th: School Garden Network of Sonoma County Workshop is hosting the workshop, Designing Your NGSS Schoolyard Habitat.

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The School Garden Doctor empowers teachers, schools, and communities to grow school gardens that enhance science education, nurture wellness, and foster environmental literacy.