A Reflection on Planting Papaya Trees

by Ms. Rebecca, Lower Elementary

Oh my goodness, I just have to tell you this story, it makes me laugh and makes me proud at the same time. So, Irie's mom gave us baby Papaya trees at the start of the year (4) and we have nursed them in different pots. And we discovered that the smallest pot grew the largest tree and its root is currently growing out of the pot. So, I looked at my bare landscape around my room and thought, Let's plant this baby! And I planted a tire palm once and it was NOT EASY digging in this soil, so I asked Wyatt, Matthew and Tameem if they were interested. And lo and behold, I have 3 enthusiastic boys, digging in this tough soil. We're pulling out worms, wiggling rocks free like a wiggly tooth and trying different techniques and they say, "Can we dig tomorrow too?" So now Liam is also asking, Can I dig? So yesterday they get to school and now all 4 boys are "CAN WE DIG?!" haha and I kid you not, they SKIPPED FREE CHOICE FRIDAY AND EXTRA PLAYTIME so they could dig! Isn't that the most beautiful thing you've ever heard?

My takeaway is their energy toward it. I love their drive and I observe that it's fulfilling a need. So, we're going to keep DIGGING that hole! And working to plant those papaya trees next week. I thought I'd reach out and ask you to watch a video on how to dig a hole in rocky terrain but all the vids I watched used heavy duty equipment like jackhammers and augers and I do NOT want to take away their enthusiasm for hardwork, teamwork and problem solving because a machine can do it better. If you would like to do some research with them, or give them tips, please do. Our maintenance guy is letting us borrow a digging bar and spade. And if you have a shovel or any (kid-friendly) tools that we could borrow next week, I would be so grateful. WE HAVE 4 TREES and a LOT of enthusiasm for digging right now.

** Side note: If you are not convinced this is important work, these boys are learning teamwork, problem solving, service work and they are exposed to soil science, microbiology, geology and geography as well as biology (planting the papaya and if it will grow). :)**

How's It Growing? Week 2

GARDEN SUCCESS

The Harbison family shared photos of their garden’s bounty with us after our call for photos in last week’s Volt. They are successfully growing corn and eggplant with more to come from their garden.

Photo: Shane DeGannes

PLANT OF THE WEEK: Amaranth

Plenty of Amaranth seeds are available at the Seed Bank on the car deck of VIMSIA. This very easy to grow plant can be eaten raw and they’re delicious sauteed too. Enjoy planting these seeds in pots and/or your outdoor garden.

Read more here about tips for growing Amaranth.

Gardening in Enrichment

From Pierre-James, Gardening Enrichment: We first added some shade, to protect the plants from the hot noon sun. When cleaning up the old pots, we found one with a bunch of little papaya trees, we transplanted each one to separate pots, they are doing great. So far none of the seeds we got from Home depot have sprouted - a little disappointing. We sowed basil, cherry tomatoes and Spinach. Luckily Martin gave us some mystery seeds from Dominica, they have sprouted nicely and we transplanted them yesterday. Yesterday everyone also received a baby basil that they took home to watch grow and care for. We have also sowed some passion fruit seeds, lettuce, arugula, bell peppers and dill. Next week will try our luck with corn as well.