The gifts of universal gardens are difficult to list (because there are so many and probably are not all listed here):

1. Gardens, especially those which use any and all possible ground, provide lots of labor for children to share in with adults.
2. Gardens provide an endless classroom and laboratory within which to learn about life, death, bugs, disease, health, food, nutrition, experimentation, stewardship, etc.
3. Gardens provide food, can be grown without chemicals, and tended by those who are going to eat it.
4. Gardens promote community and family ties.
5. Gardens give kids and adults something constructive to do, and thus help circumvent the life traps of binge-watching, internet addiction, and other less socially acceptable ills.
6. Grow responsibility and increase joy while growing a healthy respect for the labors that go into living.
7. Grow in appreciation for all kinds of weather as all learn the necessity for both rain and sunshine, cool and hot temperatures, and how to steward all of them in your care of the earth.

This week I want to challenge you to start or expand your gardening with the kids you serve.

• Dig up a new part of your lawn or begin getting permission to do so at your school.
• Invest money into a nice grow light and begin growing plants year round inside.
• Learn about the plants on your property or school yard. Many of them are edible. Try harvesting and preparing them with kids, as long as they haven't been sprayed with chemicals.
• Start growing some kind of sprouts, which don't even require a grow light or soil.
• Begin making the plan for Garden 2022, which may include research, even if it is just joining one of many local community gardens.
• Go to a local farmer's markets and get connected to someone who you can learn from. Perhaps join a CSA and offer services to assist and help to learn more about gardening from those who do full time.