Writer: Paul Schattenberg, 210-859-5752, paschattenberg@ag.tamu.edu
Contact: David Rodriguez, 210-631-0400, dhrodriguez@ag.tamu.edu
SAN ANTONIO – The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service for Bexar County and the San Antonio Botanical Garden are accepting applications for the Spring 2018 Children’s Vegetable Garden Program.
The Children’s Vegetable Garden is located on the grounds of the San Antonio Botanical Garden, 555 Funston Place, San Antonio.
The program is open to children 8-13 years of age from Bexar and surrounding counties. It will be 8 a.m.-noon on consecutive Saturdays from Feb. 17 through June 2.
Participants in the Children’s Vegetable Garden program learn to grow and harvest their own vegetables. (Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service photo)
“During the program, children receive their own garden plot in which they prepare soil, plant, weed, nurture, grow and harvest their own vegetables under the guidance of several Bexar County Master Gardener volunteers,” said David Rodriguez, AgriLife Extension agent for horticulture in Bexar County and the program’s administrator.
Bexar County Master Gardeners work with the participants, showing them how to grow vegetables while teaching them about nutrition, the environment and the benefits of outdoor interests, Rodriguez said.
“Many of the activities use Junior Master Gardener curriculum in keeping with mandated knowledge and skills requirements for public schools,” he said.
The cost is $40 per child or $60 for two if they share a plot.
Program registration funds are used to purchase seeds, plants, compost, fertilizer, mulch and other materials. An application can be found on the San Antonio Botanical Garden website at
http://www.sabot.org/education/childrens-education/childrens-vegetable-garden-program/. Submission deadline is Feb. 5.
For registration details, email programregistrar@sabot.org or call 210-536-1412.
“Acceptance in the program will be based on completeness of the application and willingness to attend each session, though two absences are allowed,” Rodriguez said.
The program provides children with the opportunity to learn about gardening and horticulture, grow their own food and learn about nutrition and develop life skills, he said.
Rodriguez said the program also acquaints participants with aspects of math and science in addition to helping them learn the importance of teamwork, commitment and responsibility.
“The kids are also fascinated with the bugs they find in the garden, the types and colors of the plants and watching their vegetables grow,” he said. “It really helps them develop an appreciation for nature.”
For more information, contact Rodriguez at 210-631-0400 or dhrodriguez@ag.tamu.edu.
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