This week the kids started planting using small seed tray containers and covering the cells with potting mix making sure to fill them to the top, then made 1/4 inch deep dimple in each cell and placed two to three seeds into each cell. By using this method if all seeds in one cell start to germinate, you can pull out all but the healthiest seedling —this is called thinning to one. We planted winter squash, basil, parsley, onions, beets, habanero peppers, swiss chard and carrots. The girls seemed to be particularly excited about planting carrots and habanero pepper, and want their seedlings to grow right away! But observing how long seeds take to sprout will make them realize everything in nature has its own time and rhythms and it will make them appreciate more when the garden starts giving.

The habanero pepper planting is part of a Global Partner Junior project. The St. John’s students spoke to children in Mexico City via Skype a few weeks ago and as part of the exchange program our students are growing habanero peppers to mail deliver the seeds to Mexico in the fall. Next year the students in Mexico will plant our habanero pepper seeds, we hope this interaction will help both groups understand how technology and virtual interaction can be used to make a difference in real life.