Library Learning Patch-maintenance day

Now that our major work was done (the preparation and planting), we can now observe and maintain. We met in the library to begin our class. One of the children gave us a very interesting  report about the history of tomatoes. We learned that they are native to South America.  At one time people here in the U.S. would not eat tomatoes because they thought they were poisonous. We also learned that tomatoes are both fruits and vegetables. According to one source, when eaten fresh, they are fruits, and when cooked, they are vegetables.

Of course since this is a joint project between me as a Master Naturalist and the library, we stress reading. I  read a book, Tops and Bottoms--we all thought it was a cute and funny story. The children guessed in each instance what the rabbit was planting except for the corn--he harvested neither the top or the bottom. Reading to these children is fun--they immerse themselves in the story and do not hesitate to interact.

A cute story with several themes

I read another book from the library, Apples to Oregon, a story about a family bringing fruit trees to the West. They liked that one also.

One of the newest books in the children's section

The children were eager to check on their garden, so they gathered their tools and we went outside. Almost everything had sprouted! Our lettuce and peas that we planted from seed are up and growing! Our tomatoes and peppers also looked good. The children were most interested in the progress of their sunflowers that they had transplanted. They all were growing also. Soon we will tie them to the fence. While one group began watering their crops, others leveled an area outside the fence and planted pink dianthus.

A broken arm doesn't stop this gardener!

Conserving water by using a watering can

I am very impressed by the cooperation among the children. They are very good about sharing and taking turns.

After everything was thoroughly watered, the group picked up all the tools. My youngest member, a four  year old, carried everything inside for me.

Stay tuned for next week's progress report!