By Julie Tomascik
Associate Editor

A little dirt never hurt. And Texas Farm Bureau’s (TFB) Learning from the Ground Up program embraces that concept with outside learning opportunities.

“School gardens help students get outside and learn. They help provide valuable real-world agricultural experiences,” Mona Oney, TFB director of Educational Outreach, said. “The research is clear and shows students benefit academically and socially when they go outside to learn. And they’re learning where their food comes from at the same time.”

It’s a win-win.

Students go outside. Get their hands dirty. And make connections from the garden to agriculture and how it applies to the food they eat. The clothes they wear. And the fuel for their family’s vehicles.

“Gardening shows students what farming is like, just on a smaller scale,” Oney said. “Learning from the Ground Up is one of several programs offered by Texas Farm Bureau to help connect students, teachers and others with the farmers and ranchers who grow and raise the food they eat.”

Hands-on learning in a garden can help students better understand situations that farmers and ranchers face, Oney said.

A seed is planted. Nurtured. And harvested.

“The soil in the garden has to be prepared before seeds can be planted. It’s what farmers do, too,” Oney said. “The garden needs water just like crops in a field. And after a full growing season, the students can pick what they planted. It’s the same concept when farmers harvest their crops. Their equipment is just bigger because they have to cover more ground.”

The program is open to schools across the state and offers grants to help establish or improve school gardens or greenhouses. Applications are currently being accepted through Oct. 15.

“Getting the kids outdoors and letting them get their hands dirty is irreplaceable,” Oney said. “Students today are very connected with technology, but don’t explore the outdoors as much. This program helps them have those educational opportunities outside.”

Grants may be requested for up to $500. For more details and information on the grant program, visit Learning from the Ground Up.