Harvest 4-Health

4-H, Penn State Master Gardener’s (MG’s) and the Foxwood community have partnered to build an outdoor living classroom, where children can learn where their food comes from, engage in team building and experience mentoring from garden knowledge adults.  Ground at the site was broken on June 2, 2011 after the children designed plot plans and selected vegetables and herbs they would like to plant.  Plants were started indoors from seed as the Master Gardeners taught plant science and composting afterschool to the enthusiastic young gardeners.  Garden soil, plants, fence posts and fencing were delivered for installation courtesy of Home Depot and Lower Makefield Township donated compost delivered by a Master Gardener.

With the help of MG’s the 4-H youth assembled wood raised beds, filled them with soil and compost and began planting.  Working side by side with mentors, the children learned about companion plants, direct seed sowing, plant root systems and growing potatoes in bags.  Hauling heavy mulch in wheel barrows, getting dirty, watering the plants and each other from the rain barrel they install was all part of the fun and learning for these young farmers.  For most of these kids this is their first outdoor gardening experience. 

Throughout the summer months Penn State summer interns and Master Gardeners will continue weekly instruction in the garden as the kids learn about “Good Bugs, Bad Bugs”, worm composting, invasive weeds, nutrition, cooperation and team building.  Fall plans at the garden include a “Harvest 4-Health Celebration” and planting “cool weather crops” under the raised bed hoops.

For information on how to become a part of 4-H in Bucks County, call Penn State Cooperative Extension, 215-345-3283.