Saratoga’s first community garden was established this spring at Stonequist Apartments. It consists of 20 plots, with the Housing Authority having first priority and the remaining plots available to the residents of Saratoga Springs. The venture was spear headed by Sustainable Saratoga and the Saratoga Springs Housing Authority. It is a significant accomplishment which will add tremendous benefit to the community.
I am blessed with parents who live locally and have large flower and vegetable gardens. My children and I spend hours each week working in grammy and papa’s garden. I see first hand how my children benefit from time in the garden. Not only have they learned to like vegetables(some at least), but they have learned patience, hard work, satisfaction of a weeded row, knowing where food comes from and how it should really taste.
Studies show that children who spend time learning in the garden show positive benefits in self esteem, nutritional attitudes, interpersonal skills, achievement in test scores, student behavior, and more. To check out the studies in more detail click here.
School gardening can be incorporated and accentuate science, mathematics, english, physical education and fine art curriculum. Virginia Tech has studied and created models that can help schools start their own gardens and how they can be added to school curriculum.
Children have so much to gain from spending time in the garden so start your own or let’s encourage our schools to incorporate gardening into their curriculum so that all kids can learn the valuable life skills gardening has to offer.