Learning Skills for a Lifetime

Image credit: News Tribune

Students at Putnam County Elementary School in Hennepin are getting some firsthand gardening experience by planting, maintaining and harvesting small gardens at the school.

The U. of I. Extension offers the class so students learn how to garden and hopefully carry the knowledge to their adult life, said Master Gardener Sharon Gallup.

One of the sections involves letting the students taste fruits and vegetables, and gardeners are surprised by how many kids have never had some of the foods, like a blueberry, she said. The gardeners are happy the kids enjoy the foods. The gardeners have gone to other schools as well, like Spring Valley, Toluca, Fieldcrest and others. If interested in having the program at your school, contact the Extension office at (815) 433-0707.

Source: News Tribune