square ideas?

[raine]

Hi all, I and some of my friends at work have just persuaded the powers that be to let us have a small allotment that the children can work (yep you've guessed it i work in a school) I work with small groups of kids and so have opted for a very small square foot bed. My question is, although the bed is ready, the children don't start until sept. I don't really want to plant things now for them as the idea is that they do all the work and make most of the decisions themselves but what would be available for them to grow then? Any ideas welcome
Raine

[Alison]

Unfortunately it won't be the best time of year when the kids come back but I think it will be nice for them to plan things themselves. However, perhaps you could plant up some quick crops in part of it so that they could begin to pick things and see a bit of what could be done when they first see it. Perhaps some lettuce leaves or something? Maybe if you have the time you could also plant some seeds so that can plant them out for overwintering too - just an idea but thought it might be nice to have a few things at different stages. With regards plants, I did an autumn sowing of broad beans and peas last year but wasn't that impressed, they started well with minimal protection but took a major hammering in the January storms and the early spring sowings pretty much caught up with far less hassle. Suppose it depends on how much time you have to supervise and how old the kids are etc etc.

[raine]

Thanks Alison, I think i'll have to start off with seeds and then let the children run with what they choose. my only trouble is that the things i can overwinter such as broad beans etc are not the type of veg they like. Carrots seem to be the winner mind you, they could start off peas. Let me know if any other ideas please.
Raine

[Flummery]

You could bang in some over-wintering onion sets and some aquadulce claudia broadies.

[Alison]

Maybe a bit of garlic?

[Hazel at the Hill]

what about some of that 'bright lights' chard? Interesting to look and too...

[Polly Fouracre]

I can,and will,donate a book called "Square Foot Gardening" This has been my sister Jane's and mine's Bible for the last few years(know it off by heart now!)
If you would like it(and I can find it!!)just let me know where you would like it sent.

[raine]

Dear polly thats a very kind idea thank you very much!

[Headfry]

what about herbs, you might have to buy plants, but the kids can smell and taste the different types!

[yoanbob]

I wouldnt worry about what you think they wont like, or even what they think they wont like, when you taste somthing streight from the plant its very diffrent to the tinned and procced food most kids eat at home, just encourage them to be adventurous and try things.
how about popping some radishes in now for them to try when they get back

[raine]

Once again,thanks for all the ideas. Headfry i like the idea of herbs and i also think that, as you yoanbob say, maybe it's agood idea to stretch them a bit! I think i've got a couple of ideas to put to them now so i'll see what they come up with. Polly, can't thank you enough for your offer and have sent you my schools address. Don't stop with the ideas chaps ( and chapesses) because i feel so enthusiastic about this. I want the children to really take ownership of this but to do this i have to have as much info as poss!
Many thanks again
Raine

[worzle gummidge]

hi raine
check this site out there do some sort of school project that might be helpfull
www.rocketgardens.co.uk