Plan and get a garden going for Summer

Starting a garden can feel overwhelming, but breaking it down into simple steps makes it manageable and fun! Here's how parents and teachers can work together to help kids grow their own fruits and vegetables:

Choose the Right Location. Whether it's a backyard, schoolyard, or a few containers on a patio, sunlight is key. Most fruits and vegetables need at least 6–8 hours of sunlight each day.

Tip: Even a sunny windowsill can support herbs or small greens!

Start with Healthy Soil. Good soil helps plants grow strong and nutritious. A mix of soil and compost works best, giving plants the nutrients they need.

Teaching moment: Kids can explore how soil supports plant growth and why nutrients matter, or plants, and for us!

Pick the Right Plants for the Season. Not all fruits and vegetables grow year-round. Check what grows best in your area during spring and summer.

Tip: Choose beginner-friendly, fast-growing plants so kids can see success and stay engaged.

Plan Your Space Wisely. If space is limited, focus on plants that grow well in small spaces, such as lettuce, beans, or peppers.

Teaching moment: Use this as a math or science activity to measure space, space seeds, and track growth.

Water with Care. Plants need consistent watering, but not all need the same amount. Grouping plants with similar needs makes it easier to care for them.

Teaching moment: Assign a watering schedule to build responsibility and routine.

Easy, Kid-Friendly Foods to Grow This Summer

Want to set kids up for success? Start with these easy-to-grow favorites that are perfect for home or school gardens:

Cucumbers: Fast-growing and fun to pick! Great for snacks, salads, or even simple pickling projects. Kids love harvesting them straight from the vine.

Squash & Zucchini: These grow quickly and produce a lot—perfect for showing kids how one plant can yield many foods. Harvest often to keep them growing!

Sweet Potatoes. A fun underground surprise! These thrive in warm weather and can spark curiosity about how food grows beneath the soil.

Manoa (or Heat-Tolerant) Lettuce. Unlike many lettuces, this variety handles warmer weather well. Great for small spaces and quick harvests.

Melons. Sweet and rewarding! While they need space and water, they're exciting for kids to grow and enjoy during the summer.

Harvest of the Month: Beef

This month, we're putting beef in the spotlight, a nutrient-rich food that has earned its place on school lunch trays and family dinner tables alike. Whether it's a hearty taco night or a quick stir-fry, beef is a versatile protein that supports the growing bodies and active minds of your students.

Why Beef?

Beef provides several important nutrients that support children's growth, learning, and overall health.

Protein helps build and repair muscles, which is especially important for growing kids and active students.

Iron supports brain development and helps prevent the fatigue that can get in the way of learning.

Zinc supports immune health and the body's natural healing processes.

B vitamins help the body convert food into energy needed for learning, play, and everything in between.

Easy Ways to Enjoy Beef at Home or School

Add lean ground beef to tacos, spaghetti, or stuffed peppers. Use beef strips in stir-fries with colorful vegetables. Make mini sliders or meatballs for kid-friendly, protein-packed meals. Add cooked beef to grain bowls or salads for a balanced plate.

Tip for Families

Pair beef with whole grains, fruits, and vegetables to build a balanced, nourishing plate your whole family will enjoy.

A Note for Parents

Including a variety of protein-rich foods, such as beef, poultry, beans, and dairy, helps ensure kids get the full range of nutrients they need to grow, learn, and thrive. You don't have to overhaul every meal. Small, consistent choices at the table can make a big difference over time.