Learning Objectives

Notes

24.1
To explore the possible locations for a vegetable garden.

Have students list the spaces that are used as gardens. These might include rooftops, balconies, patios, decks, backyard plots and community gardens.

Have the students describe community garden plots and their benefits. Investigate which segment of the population uses these plots and what the criteria are for accessing these garden areas.

24.2
To select a site for a vegetable garden on a landscaped property. (CCT)

Have students prepare a scale diagram of a residential property and determine the best site for the garden, in relation to the rest of the landscaping. (NUM)

Considerations regarding the location of the garden including the amount of sunlight and shade, soil condition, size of plot. (CCT)

24.3
To choose different vegetables and plant varieties suitable for a vegetable garden.

Create a scaled garden plan and locate the varieties and planting location on the plan. (NUM)

Both crop types, above and below the soil, i.e., leaf and root crops, should be included in the selection.

Have students look through seed catalogues and investigate different varieties of vegetables. Note the climatic requirements, yield and growth period for each.

Have students research the practice of companion planting and demonstrate the technique in their experiments with a control plot, to see if there is a noticeable benefit to crop yield.

The students could keep a journal or log book of the yield produced by their plots.

Explore a partnership with an English language arts teacher where students would do technical or creative writing about their garden for an English class.

24.4
To investigate the benefits of traditional garden plots compared to raised bed gardens.

Review advantages of different styles of gardens, for example, traditional or raised beds.

The students can research the locations that favor one style or the other to see the benefits each one provides. (COM)

24.5
To experiment with different methods for improving the productivity of the soil to increase the yield.

The students can construct compost bins and conduct a composting project. Plans are available on the Internet. (IL)

Refer to Construction and Carpentry 10, 20, 30 Curriculum Guide, for information on the safe use of tools.

Research the fertilizer requirements for different types of vegetables, i.e., leaf crops or root crops.