Pinkerton Patch
What is happening in the Pinkerton Patch?
Planting
Second graders and Kindergarteners have been spotted planting in the Pinkerton Patch! Kindergarteners are hoping to observe the similarities and differences of Texas wildflowers this spring. They hope to compare young plants with adult plants looking for inherited traits. Second graders planted vegetables such as carrots, sweet peas, spinach, lettuce, radishes turnips and two kinds of beets. Interestingly, one of the beet varieties originated in the old Soviet Union. Another variety may be the oldest beet still in existence, possibly dating back 1000 years.
Composting with Coppell Community Gardeners
A BIG THANK YOU to Bert Tindall and Peggy Rosson, from Coppell Community Gardens, for teaching Pinkerton's fourth graders all about composting. Bert and Peggy helped the fourth graders build a compost pile while explaining the four necessary components of composting. Be sure to ask a fourth grader to explain the composting process. Our fourth grade garden helpers will be charting data for the compost piles at Pinkerton. Be looking for their data on the garden inquiry board in the cafeteria!
Bert Tindall and Peggy Rosson Sharing Their Knowledge
Before: Layering carbon and nitrogen
After: Compost ready for garden beds!
Inquiry: Who's been munching in the garden? Peter Rabbit?
Who has been munching in the garden? Is it Peter Rabbit? Second grade teacher, Mrs. Denton says, "Well, we should share with our animal friends, shouldn't we?" However, fencing would help keep some of our veggies safe. Thank you PTO for providing fencing for two of the garden beds. The fenced beds are growing Brussel sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower, turnips, beets, and spinach, so hopefully we will see how each of these veggies grow and produce. I wonder why the rabbits have not been visiting the Daisy Troop plants bed?
Evidence: Brussel Sprout Damage
Healthy Brussel Sprout
I wonder...
Fourth Graders Gardeners and Compost Managers
Nine fourth graders have taken on a few compost duties in the Pinkerton Patch. The garden helpers will build and turn compost,, document temperatures and the height of the pile. Look for compost data on the cafeteria Garden Inquiry board. Fourth grade gardeners include:
Garden Compost Drive
A big Thank You! goes to all the parents who have brought coffee grounds, grass clippings and leaves. We will end our Garden Compost Drive this Friday, November 3rd, however, fill free to drop off leaves, grass clippings, coffee grounds and tea leaves until the three compost piles are complete.
Volunteers Welcome in the Pinkerton Patch
If you would like to volunteer to help in the Pinkerton Patch this year, please fill out the Google form using the link below.
Rhonda Pickrell
Website: g.coppellisd.com/pickrell-pinkerton/
Location: 260 Southwestern Boulevard, Coppell, TX, United States
Phone: 214-496-6883
Twitter: @pinkpickrell