Minnesota Agriculture in the Classroom hosted the School Garden Conference, a chance for educators and those involved with school gardens to connect and discuss topics like designing school gardens, planting tactics and tips, and more.
Breakout Sessions
Throughout the day, organizers held three separate breakout sessions, each featuring four different workshops. They covered a variety of topics, equipping attendees with concrete skills and plans to execute successful school gardens back home. The breakout sessions covered a variety of practical topics, including summer garden management, selecting vegetable varieties, and growing microgreens in the classroom, among many others. Master Gardeners, Education Specialists, and teachers all contributed in presenting the information. The School Garden Conference allowed for many opportunities to network and share ideas.
Featured Sessions at School Garden Conference
Starting Seeds Indoors with Sharon Decker
Sharon Decker, a University of Minnesota Extension Master Gardener, shared her tips and tricks for starting seeds indoors. Sharon shared specific tips about potting material, seed selection, and growing environments.
Class Management in the Garden with Kristen Saylor and Grace Greenfield
Kristen and Grace held a discussion style breakout session, encouraging teachers to share their personal tactics for managing their classrooms in non-typical environments. Kristen and Grace brought specific strategies to aid situational scenarios that teachers brought forward.
Microgreens in the Classroom with Karen Randall and Sue Vonbank
Karen and Sue shared their tips and tricks for growing small scale microgreens. Conference attendees participated in a hands-on microgreens planting activity and were able to taste a variety of microgreens!
The School Garden Conference was a great experience for attendees, and various networking and sharing opportunities allowed for understanding how school gardens can be successful, but also how Minnesota Agriculture in the Classroom can support school gardens with lesson plans and free resources. Stay tuned for future events that Minnesota Agriculture in the Classroom hosts!
