Let’s Grow!

Day 3: How Plants Work

Time: 30 minutes
Lesson: Master your unique climate, including understanding microclimates, sun, and seasonal shifts.
Project: Identify microclimates in your garden area and define garden paths based on sun exposure.

Day 4: How Soil Works

Time: 30 minutes
Lesson: Learn about soil types and how to assess your soil’s health.
Project: Assess your soil and determine its type (sandy, loamy, clay). Identify ways to improve its health using compost and amendments.

Day 5: How Soil Works

Time: 45 minutes
Lesson: Learn how to start and maintain a compost pile to improve soil health.
Project: Set up a compost pile or bin in your yard, and add greens and browns to begin composting.

Day 7: Mulching for Soil Health

Time: 30 minutes
Lesson: Understand how mulch helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and improve soil health.
Project: Apply mulch to garden areas that you’ve cleared to protect and improve soil.

Day 8: Clearing the Land

Time: 1-2 hours
Lesson: Learn the importance of clearing the garden area of weeds and debris for a healthy start.
Project: Remove weeds, unwanted plants, and debris to prepare your garden bed.

Day 9: Choosing Your Gardening Method

Time: 30 minutes
Lesson: Explore different gardening methods—in-ground, raised beds, containers, and grow bags—and determine which is best for you.
Project: Decide on your preferred gardening method and gather the necessary materials.

Day 10: Building Garden Structures

Time: 1-2 hours
Lesson: Learn how to build and arrange garden structures to create an organized, productive space.
Project: Build raised beds, arrange containers, or set up grow bags based on your chosen method.

Day 11: Amending Your Soil

Time: 45 minutes
Lesson: Learn how to amend your soil using compost and other organic matter to enhance fertility.
Project: Add compost and other soil amendments to improve fertility and prepare for planting.

Day 12: Feeding Your Plants

Time: 30 minutes
Lesson: Understand plant nutrition, including the differences between synthetic and organic fertilizers.
Project: Make a batch of compost tea to use as an organic fertilizer for your garden.

Day 13: Understanding Your Water Needs

Time: 1 hour
Lesson: Learn how to water efficiently and conserve water in Brevard County’s climate.
Project: Set up an irrigation system or create a watering plan for your garden.

Day 14: Choosing the Right Plants for Zone 9b

Time: 45 minutes
Lesson: Discover which vegetables, herbs, and fruits grow best in Brevard County’s Zone 9b.
Project: Make a list of the plants you want to grow and gather seeds or seedlings.

Day 15: Starting Seeds and Transplanting

Time: 1 hour
Lesson: Learn how to start seeds indoors or transplant seedlings into the garden.
Project: Start seeds in seed trays or transplant young plants into your garden beds.

Day 16: Seasonal Gardening and Native Plants

Time: 30 minutes
Lesson: Understand the importance of seasonal gardening and native plants to support local biodiversity.
Project: Choose a few native plants to add to your garden that will attract beneficial insects.

Day 17: Planting Your Garden

Time: 1 hour
Lesson: Learn how to properly plant seeds and transplants, including spacing, depth, and positioning.
Project: Plant your seeds and transplants according to your garden plan.

Day 18: Mulching After Planting

Time: 30 minutes
Lesson: Learn the benefits of mulching newly planted areas to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Project: Apply mulch around young plants to protect them and keep the soil healthy.

Day 19: Managing Water Needs Post-Planting

Time: 30 minutes
Lesson: Learn how to monitor soil moisture and adjust your watering schedule to support healthy growth.
Project: Check soil moisture levels and adjust watering as needed for young plants.

Day 20: Identifying and Managing Pests

Time: 40 minutes
Lesson: Identify common pests and learn natural ways to manage them without chemicals.
Project: Inspect your garden for pests and apply natural pest control measures as needed.

Day 21: Companion Planting and Synergy

Time: 30 minutes
Lesson: Learn about companion planting and how certain plant pairings benefit each other.
Project: Adjust your planting plan to include beneficial plant combinations that support growth and reduce pests.

Day 22: Attracting Beneficial Insects

Time: 30 minutes
Lesson: Discover how to attract beneficial insects and pollinators to your garden.
Project: Plant flowers and herbs that attract pollinators and beneficial insects to boost your garden’s health.

Day 23: Pruning and Trellising for Plant Health

Time: 45 minutes
Lesson: Learn how to prune and trellis plants to promote strong growth and productivity.
Project: Prune and trellis plants like tomatoes, cucumbers, or vining plants to support growth.

Day 24: Feeding Your Plants Again

Time: 30 minutes
Lesson: Learn about feeding your plants during mid-growth to keep them healthy and thriving.
Project: Apply compost tea or another organic fertilizer to provide a nutrient boost.

Day 25: Monitoring Plant Health

Time: 30 minutes
Lesson: Learn how to monitor plant health, identify nutrient deficiencies, and address issues.
Project: Inspect your plants for signs of disease or deficiencies and take action to resolve them.

Day 26: Harvesting Early Crops

Time: 45 minutes
Lesson: Learn when and how to harvest your first crops for peak flavor and productivity.
Project: Harvest herbs and vegetables that are ready, and learn techniques for encouraging further production.

Day 27: Preserving Your Harvest

Time: 1 hour
Lesson: Learn the basics of preserving your garden’s bounty through canning, drying, or freezing.
Project: Preserve herbs and vegetables using one or more methods to enjoy your harvest year-round.

Day 28: Reflecting on Garden Performance

Time: 30 minutes
Lesson: Reflect on what worked well and what could be improved in your garden.
Project: Write down successes and challenges, and brainstorm ways to improve for next season.

Day 29: Planning for Succession Planting

Time: 30 minutes
Lesson: Learn about succession planting to keep your garden producing throughout the year.
Project: Plan which crops you will plant next after harvesting to ensure continuous growth.

Day 30: Reflect and Plan Ahead

Time: 30 minutes
Lesson: Reflect on your gardening journey and create a plan for future expansion and improvements.
Project: Write your reflections and create a detailed plan for expanding or enhancing your garden next season.