The fifth graders pulled carrots that were smaller than their pinkie fingers, and one that was fatter than their wrist! First graders found the celery and picked green and red tomatoes of all sizes and hues. Everyone saw chard leaves that were bigger than their heads and identified plump butternut squash.
Harvest Day at Increase Miller is like a scavenger hunt in the school garden. Each grade harvests a specific vegetable; the hands-on fun connects the whole school to the cycles of the natural world, and to each other.
The day is led by garden educator Margi Corsello. She reminds the students that they planted the vegetables last spring. “I remember planting the carrots,” said one fifth grader.
After the harvest, all students head to the worktable, where parent volunteers oversee the prep of rinsing, peeling and chopping.
The parents will turn the garden-fresh ingredients into a delicious soup served up in the school cafeteria for everyone to enjoy.