Spreckels Elementary

Our garden program's goal is to expand our existing growing space by utilizing a green house in conjunction with our existing garden. We currently have a small area utilized by raised planter beds and we recently planted an orchard of seven young fruit trees. If we are awarded this grant we would purchase a greenhouse and place it near the existing garden spaces. Our garden is in a mild climate zone which limits certain crops' growing seasons. Using the greenhouse will allow us to start seeds indoors and extend our growing season. Indoor seed propagation allows for a greater variety in plant choices, simplifies care of the new seeds, and produces a lot of plants for less money. Starting plants indoors will allow the students to harvest more mature plants throughout the school year. Many warm season crops can be planted, cared for, and then be ready for harvest before the school year is out. If we are able to establish more organically grown crops and harvest mature plants during the school year we can then share the crops amongst all students at the school.

This program is supported by Spreckels PTA.