I arrived to Troost Elementary LINC to plant fall veggies on an especially humid August afternoon, and was greeted by students who were ready to garden…In their pajamas (for school spirit week, of course!). My initial weeks of AmeriCorps service were filled with many firsts but until arriving at Troost Elementary, I would have never envisioned a pajama planting party among those first memories!

Prior to the pajama planting party, we had a pajama potato harvest! Students used their garden tools to dig into the soil in pursuit of potatoes. As they were uncovered from the soil, students observed the size of the potatoes that had been planted last spring.

Once the potato bed was cleared, we were ready for planting to get underway. We discussed how to plant seeds into the soil and transplanted small seedlings.

Troost Elementary LINC students tended their fall garden with care; they watered, weeded, and mulched while noticing new growth in the garden each week. Aside from tending, students used their creativity to craft signs to label the vegetables growing in their garden.

Last week was time for our final harvest, and students made a delicious kale and apple salad (with homemade vinaigrette!) and radish rounds on the side. Working together on the recipe was a great opportunity to share our favorite memories from the season while reflecting on all the new things we learned, grew, and tasted along the way!

Thanks to Troost Elementary LINC for their hard work this fall! Happy fall harvesting to all our Schoolyard Garden friends.