One of the first signs of summer at The New England Center for Children (NECC) is the day the Edible Schoolyard comes to life. And this year, it is back and big
This spring, the Edible Schoolyard, an on-site garden where students plant and cultivate herbs and vegetables as part of their educational and vocational experiences, was reimagined. The three wooden beds were replaced with eight large metal raised Vego Garden beds, three of which were donated by the company. Doubling the garden space, which is located in the Renee Mansfield Courtyard, will allow NECC students to grow a wider variety of produce and expand their gardening and harvesting skills throughout the summer.
“We love working with the students on this project,” said George Moser, director of Food Services. “The students are excited to bring us what they have picked from the garden, and we are able to incorporate the fresh vegetables into our student and staff lunches, including soups and salads.”
The garden beds were donated as part of Vego Garden’s Giving Back Program. According to their website, Vego Garden, a leader in gardening innovation, is committed to giving back to communities. Since the program’s inception, Vego Garden has partnered with a total of 100 impactful community organizations.
This week, NECC students planted the seedlings they have been growing and learning about in their classrooms for the last several weeks. Throughout the spring and summer, students will undertake responsibilities such as planting, weeding, watering, and harvesting, all of which are overseen by the Vocational Department.
Follow our social media channels throughout the summer to watch our garden (and our students) grow!