Preparing the Garden at Wiscasset Elementary School
Fourth-grade students at Wiscasset Elementary School recently partnered with members of the Garden Club of Wiscasset to prepare the school’s raised-bed gardens for the upcoming growing season. Working side by side, students and garden club volunteers cleared grasses, dandelions, and weeds to create space for new plantings.
During the work session, students had the opportunity to use new gardening tools purchased through a grant from the Maine Environmental Education Association. The experience provided hands-on learning while fostering collaboration between students and community members.
With the garden beds now prepared, students are looking forward to implementing an Indigenous planting method traditionally used by the Wabanaki people, growing corn, beans, and squash together in a companion planting system often referred to as the “Three Sisters.”
Students are also planning additions to the school’s herb garden as part of their ongoing outdoor learning experiences. One of the highlights of the day was relocating a giant Joe-Pye weed plant to another garden area on the school grounds. The task required teamwork and cooperation, as several students worked together to carefully move the plant to its new location.
The fourth-grade students greatly appreciated the time, knowledge, and support shared by members of the Garden Club of Wiscasset and look forward to continuing their partnership throughout the gardening season.