Island Grown Schools’ After School Garden Clubs Begin

With the arrival of spring, Island Grown Schools’ (IGS) after school garden clubs have started up again at Edgartown, Tisbury, West Tisbury, and Oak Bluffs Schools.

As an extension of the curricular work IGS does in the classroom, these after school programs help students develop their skills as gardeners, grow food for school meals, expand students’ willingness to try new vegetables, and deepen student understanding of where food comes from.

“These kids are really ahead of the curve. I didn't learn about growing food until I worked at Morning Glory Farm in my twenties,” said Tisbury School garden coordinator, Lizzy Bradley.

In spring, the after school garden programs at all four schools focus on getting the garden ready for the growing season. These dedicated gardeners help make sure their gardens are weeded, composted, and ready for students to work in during class time. “It is really fun moving compost!" said one student in Tisbury’s after school program.

At Oak Bluffs School, students choose after school gardening for their community service hours.

Kindergarten teacher Teri Mello’s students in West Tisbury School’s new after school garden program have been growing lots of spring crops for the school salad bar.

At Edgartown School, IGS coordinator Melinda Defeo’s students sow flats of peas and lettuce in their school greenhouse, and have already harvested large bags of greens for the cafeteria.

“I love garden club because we get to eat lemon leaves, kale, and chives if we get our work done,” said one Edgartown School student.

Editor's Note: This information taken from a press release