Growing Tomatoes in Containers: A Family Gardening Adventure

I am raising tomatoes in containers this year. May was a very rainy month, which provided my plants with plenty of water. Now, my tomatoes are taking off with growth and have just started producing their first ripe fruits. This journey has not only been about cultivating delicious produce but also about creating enriching family activities centered around gardening and learning about photosynthesis.

My tomato plants
Tiny cherry tomatoes
Better Boy Tomatoes

Photosynthesis Fun: Learning Through Observation

One of the most rewarding aspects of growing tomatoes has been watching my children learn about photosynthesis. We’ve turned our garden into a living classroom with a couple of fun activities:

1. Leaf Collection and Observation:

We collected leaves from our tomato plants and other plants around the yard. Using a magnifying glass, the kids examined the leaves, looking at the tiny veins and discussing how sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water help the plants make their food. This hands-on activity helped them visualize the process of photosynthesis in a way that was both fun and educational.
2. Sunlight Tracking:
We created a daily chart to track the amount of sunlight our tomato plants received. Each day, the kids would go out with a clock and note the times the plants were in direct sunlight. This activity not only taught them about the importance of sunlight for photosynthesis but also helped them understand time management and the concept of charting data.

Gardening Activities: Family Time in the Dirt

Gardening has provided us with ample opportunities to bond as a family. Here are a couple of our favorite activities:

1. Planting and Potting:

At the beginning of the season, we spent an afternoon together planting our tomato seedlings into their containers. Each child was responsible for one plant, which they named and took care of. They learned about soil composition, the importance of good drainage, and how to gently handle young plants. It was a messy but delightful day, filled with laughter and a sense of accomplishment.
2. Watering Routine:
With the rain in May, we didn’t have to water our plants much. However, as the weather dried out, we established a watering routine. Each evening, we all go out with our watering cans, and each child waters their own plant. This routine has taught them responsibility and the importance of consistency in taking care of living things. Plus, it’s a calming way to wind down the day together.

Savvy Savings and Gardening Resources

To make your gardening experience even better, I’m sharing links to some daily deals on gardening supplies and tools. Additionally, if you’re looking for more deals and saving money, I have started the Savvy School Savings Facebook group. https://www.facebook.com/share/tpirsupbCBrkkQyj/?mibextid=K35XfP

As we continue to care for our tomato plants, we look forward to more harvests and the continued joy of gardening together. If you’re considering a gardening project, I highly recommend it. Not only will you enjoy fresh, home-grown produce, but you’ll also create lasting memories and learning experiences for your family.

Happy gardening!

Gardening Deals

1. Weeding tool - I bought this tool and I love it for my raised garden beds. Paid Link: https://amzn.to/4cPTsNo

2. Garden pruners Paid Link: https://amzn.to/3LfDgZZ

3. Dropped 28%Price $ 14.XX + tax. I used these in spring for. Gardening project my students did.

10 Packs Seed Starter Tray Seed Starter Kit with Humidity Dome (120 Cells Total Tray) Seed Starting Trays Plant Starter Kit and Base Mini Greenhouse Germination Kit

Paid Link: https://amzn.to/3RVPFpu

Disclaimer: Product prices and availability are accurate as of when the item is posted and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on AMAZON at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED 'AS IS' AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME. Promo codes, if any, may expire anytime. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. #ad #pitakesthecake #savvyschoolsavings

 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Introduction

Hello! I am not sure of why I am even attempting to start a blog! It's not like I have so much spare time in my life.  Let me introduce myself. This is my 13th year of teaching. I haven't always been a math teacher. In fact, I started my collegiate journey as wanting to become a speech -language pathologist (SLP). After taking a few educational course I became interested in doing a double major, one in speech-language and the other in special education. The licensing law for teacher was changing in my home state. So, I switched majors to Special Education.    I was a special education teacher for seven years.  Of the seven years, I spent six years working with students in grades 7-12 and one year working students in Pre-K to second-grade. The paper work was getting to me. I thought back to one my professors stating in class saying, "The burn out rate for a special education teacher is a minimum of five years." I made it till seven! I kept pra...
Read more

Mindful Mornings: Start Your Day Right with These 5 Relaxation Techniques

Image
  Mornings can often feel like a race against the clock, filled with the hustle and bustle of getting ready for the day ahead. However, starting your day on a calm and peaceful note can significantly impact your overall well-being and productivity. Here are five gentle relaxation techniques to help you ease into your day and set a serene tone for the hours to come. 1. Deep Breathing Exercises One of the simplest yet most effective ways to start your day is through deep breathing exercises. Before you even get out of bed, take a few moments to focus on your breath. Inhale deeply through your nose, hold for a few seconds, and then exhale slowly through your mouth. This practice can help calm your mind, reduce stress, and prepare you for the day ahead. 2. Morning Meditation Meditation is a powerful tool for cultivating mindfulness and inner peace. Spend just 5-10 minutes in the morning meditating. Find a quiet spot, sit comfortably, and close your eyes. Focus on y...
Read more

Classroom Arrangement

Image
 Arranging your classroom can be tricky especially if you would like to make the most out of your classroom space. I really struggled with arranging the tripod shaped students desks.  I tried setting them in groups of four students which formed a semicircle.  One of our evaluation format used in TN does require teachers to have students work in groups.  The format varies from school to school and from administrator to administrator.   Here are a few pictures of my classroom before the first week of school. I bought the clings at the Dollar Tree. I simply used hot glue to attach them to the wall.  I am not too crazy about my assignment board. I plan to change how it looks on Monday. Thank you Ms. Hester for your Kind Speech Posters. I downloaded these posters from her blog. . I am really trying to implement Accountable Talk into my classroom. The TN Core training first introduced me to the topic but a co-worker recently...
Read more