November Gardening with Kids: A Seasonal Adventure in Our School Garden
As the days grow shorter and cooler, November offers a unique opportunity for young gardeners to explore the changing seasons in the garden. Here at our school garden, we’re embracing the beauty of fall while preparing for the bountiful spring ahead.
One of the most noticeable changes in November is the stunning transformation of our peach trees. Their vibrant green leaves are now turning golden and falling to the ground. This natural process is a perfect teaching moment about the life cycle of trees and the importance of seasonal changes. Instead of raking up those leaves and tossing them away, we’re collecting them to use as natural compost and mulch. This not only helps enrich our soil but also teaches kids about sustainability and the benefits of recycling organic materials.
In our garden, we’ve taken advantage of the mild Texas climate by planting a variety of crops. Our students have been busy planting cabbage and lettuce, which will thrive in the cooler weather. These leafy greens are not only fun to grow but also delicious to eat, providing a great opportunity for kids to learn about healthy eating.
We’ve also planted colorful chrysanthemums (mums) that will brighten our garden and attract pollinators. Plus, we’re getting ready for spring by planting bulbs now. It’s an exciting moment for the kids to imagine the beautiful flowers that will bloom come springtime!
As we continue to nurture our garden, we’re also adding compost materials to our keyhole garden. This innovative design is perfect for maximizing space and efficiency, making it a fun project for kids to get involved in. They can learn about different compostable materials—like fruit and vegetable scraps, grass clippings, and leaves—and how they contribute to healthy soil.
In addition to our vegetables and flowers, we’re planning to spread wildflower seeds before Thanksgiving. This is an excellent time to plant, as the seeds will have a chance to establish roots before winter. Kids can enjoy selecting their favorite wildflowers and learning about their role in supporting local ecosystems. Watching these flowers bloom in the spring will be a rewarding experience for everyone involved.
For those gardening in central Texas, November is a fantastic time to get your hands dirty.
Here are some great options to plant this month:
– Vegetables to be sown directly into the soil:
- Spinach
- carrots
- radishes
- fava beans (early Nov)
- turnips
Herbs for a flavorful garden
- parsley
- cilantro
- dill
- chives
Flowers:
- wildflowers
- pansies
- snapdragons
- ranunculus bulbs
- tulip bulbs
Conclusion
November gardening with kids is not just about planting; it’s an engaging way to teach them about nature, sustainability, and the rewards of hard work. As we witness our peach trees shed their leaves and watch new life take root in the garden, we’re reminded of the beauty of each season. Let’s embrace this time of transition and cultivate a love for gardening that will last a lifetime!
