!["Got Dirt?" is a Brown County Extension program dedicated to establishing school gardens.](http://cdn2-b.examiner.com/sites/default/files/styles/image_content_width/hash/4c/9e/4c9e5e5e94afa994dbb06aab55bce50c.jpg?itok=jxzxED_J ""Got Dirt?" is a Brown County Extension program dedicated to establishing school gardens.")
Looking for a way to incorporate gardening into your elementary school curriculum? Check out the Got Dirt? Gardening Initiative, a program of the UW Extension in Brown County, Wisconsin.
This program aims to assist teachers in launching school gardens. Got Dirt? has helped establish school and learning center gardens all across the state, from Janesville to La Crosse, Washburn to Neenah. When kids are involved in the growing process, they are more likely eat a wider variety of vegetables. The initiative offers free training on basic gardening skills and obtaining funding for supplies. The website also gives a brief overview of four types of small gardens - cold frames, containers, raised beds, and microfarms (portable, indoor gardens) - plus links to in-depth manuals for each.
Got Dirt? also has a blog with additional tips and information. There is even an annual contest, funded by Welch's, to provide 100 schools nationwide with a starter garden. The deadline for entry is February 11, 2011, so don't delay in submitting an application for your school!
Comments
I hope this is well attended. Gardens are such valuable additions to schools. I have seen the impact first hand through my company, Teich Garden Systems. We design and install low maintenance raised bed garden systems around the country for schools and other community organizations. Kids learn not only about good nutrition but it makes science and other courses more fun which in many cases means the kids learn more.
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