Should gardening be taught in schools?

This is the question I was pondering to myself the other day.  As someone who loves vegetable gardening, the answer for me would be easy ... an astounding absolutely!  But what about someone who may not be into vegetable gardening at all, or only "dabbles" in it?  Why would anyone just dabble in vegetable gardening? We'll save that question for another time :)

However, I think it is a great debate question.  Let's face it, food is "kind of" important and if we can teach our youth where it comes from, how to grow their own, I believe it will go a long way for a more sustainable future.

And if gardening is taught in schools, should it be a mandatory class or an elective?

I would like to get your thoughts on this?  Comment below and let me know.

Vegetable Gardening 1st News for Wednesday March 9th, 2011

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Classes, classes, and more classes is the theme for today's first news in vegetable gardening. You can always tell when vegetable gardening season is at hand. Co-op's, agriculture experts and enthusiasts gather together to share ideas and experiences to ensure that everyone's growing season is a good one. Here are some that made our first news cut this morning.



Vegetable Gardening the Easy Way
Nancy Szerlag will present ideas to help you make your home vegetable gardening easier and more productive. Nancy has been a serious gardener in Michigan for more than thirty years. Home vegetable gardening is becoming more and more popular. It is a way to get fresh and better tasting vegetables on the table while providing exercise. Gardening is a great opportunity to ...
http://www.battlecreekenquirer.com/article/20110307/NEIGHBORHOODS01/103070338



Olson’s Garden Shoppe in Payson now offers classes
It's the time of year when spring is in the air, when some people eagerly look forward to the smell of fresh-tilled earth with salivating anticipation of the taste of home-grown vegetables. If you're a seasoned gardener wanting to share your knowledge or a novice looking to start a new hobby, Olson's Garden Shoppe in Payson may be the place ...
http://www.heraldextra.com/news/local/south/payson/article_c82207f8-8bce-5111-88ed-3596635d1b58.html



Vegetable gardening class March 22
Presented by Derrick Bender, agriculture and natural resources educator and master gardener coordinator, the class will cover tips for planting a vegetable garden, choosing vegetables to plant, selecting the best site, preparing the soil and ...
http://times-news.com/local/x814629710/Vegetable-gardening-class-March-22



Master gardener programs at libraries
Hennepin County Master Gardeners from the University of Minnesota Extension Service will present dozens of free gardening workshops at Hennepin County libraries during the next ...
http://www.startribune.com/local/west/117447073.html

Introduction to Home Vegetable Gardening

Our own Mike Podlesny, author of the book "Vegetable Gardening for the Average Person" and administrator of the largest vegetable gardening group on Facebook, will be holding a 2 hour free class at the Burlington Country Library Westampton Campus in Westampton, NJ on Thursday May 27th, 2010.

This course provides a fundamental working knowledge of the varied aspects of home vegetable gardening. This course prepares students to start and maintain a home vegetable garden. Students will increase their awareness of what types of plants grow well in the area and simple techniques to enhance success.

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

• Properly plan a home vegetable garden
• Know which vegetable plants will grow best in their area
• Know when to start planting seeds both indoors and outside
• Understand basic soil fertility
• Obtain a basic understanding of companion planting, plant rotation and attracting beneficial insects

The text material required for this course (to be supplied by instructor):

• Frost Zone Map
• Soil Temperature Chart
• Seed Depth Chart
• Vegetable, fruit and Herb pH chart
• One pack of vegetable seeds (variety depends on availability)

The class is free but space is limited. To reserve your spot, register online at: http://engagedpatrons.org/EventsRegister.cfm?SiteID=8954&BranchID=1000000812&Branch=Main%20Library&EventID=63921

or call the library directly at 609-267-9660

Introduction to Home Vegetable Gardening

Our own Mike Podlesny, author of the book "Vegetable Gardening for the Average Person" and administrator of the largest vegetable gardening group on Facebook, will be holding a 2 hour free class at the Burlington Country Library Westampton Campus in Westampton, NJ on Thursday May 27th, 2010.

This course provides a fundamental working knowledge of the varied aspects of home vegetable gardening. This course prepares students to start and maintain a home vegetable garden. Students will increase their awareness of what types of plants grow well in the area and simple techniques to enhance success.

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

• Properly plan a home vegetable garden
• Know which vegetable plants will grow best in their area
• Know when to start planting seeds both indoors and outside
• Understand basic soil fertility
• Obtain a basic understanding of companion planting, plant rotation and attracting beneficial insects

The text material required for this course (to be supplied by instructor):

• Frost Zone Map
• Soil Temperature Chart
• Seed Depth Chart
• Vegetable, fruit and Herb pH chart
• One pack of vegetable seeds (variety depends on availability)

The class is free but space is limited. To reserve your spot, register online at: http://engagedpatrons.org/EventsRegister.cfm?SiteID=8954&BranchID=1000000812&Branch=Main%20Library&EventID=63921

or call the library directly at 609-267-9660