Yarmouth School Garden will break ground this spring!

Yarmouth School Garden

Provides fresh organic produce and a natural learning environment for students

Description:
The proposed garden site is a 6,000 square foot area located northeast of Yarmouth Elementary School. The space is enclosed by two wings of the school and is bordered by a wooded area on the opposite side. The area is connected to the playground through a walking path and is within the fenced area of the school grounds.
The garden will grow a wide variety of vegetables, herbs and flowers intended for the School Nutrition Program. The vegetables, identified by the School Nutrition Director as most desirable to students include carrots, lettuce, peas, beans, cucumbers, corn, herbs, tomatoes, peppers, broccoli, cabbage and potatoes. The planting of each vegetable will be timed so that it will be harvested during school sessions. Other vegetables, fruits, herbs and flowers will be grown and may be enjoyed in theme or specialty garden areas.
The organic garden will be newly established in the spring of 2008. Soil samples were sent to the U Maine lab for analysis of nutrient and mineral content. Results indicate the soil needs minimal organic amendments and supplements for optimal production. There is a water supply within 50’ of the garden. A fence around the perimeter of the garden will need to be installed to keep deer out. There is an existing shed on the site.
The major work of the garden and its maintenance through the summer will be coordinated by area master gardeners who are all parents of past or existing YES students. All of the labor and most of the materials and supplies will be through in-kind donations.

Collaborators:
School Nutrition Program Nutrition: Education, Culinary Interests, Action-Research
K – 8 PTO: Public Awareness, Funding, Volunteers
Master Gardeners: Technical Consultation, Labor, Community Resources
Green Voices (YHS Student Group): Environmental Awareness, Consciousness Raising, Volunteering
Earth Savers (Elementary): Environmental Club Activities
Eagle Scouts: Special Projects
Yarmouth Community Services: Summer Rec Camp Participation, Youth Garden Classes
YHS Students: Community Service Opportunities, AP Biology Projects,
Interact and Clipper Friend Activities