Spring Brings Niles’ Garden, Farmers’ Market
Spring has definitely sprung, and the 4800 sq.ft. fruit and vegetable garden on Niles’ east side is the scene of much activity. With direction from Master Gardener Marty Kraft, our youthful garden assistants are busy caring for new sprouts and planting still more species. Organically grown vegetables like broccoli, green beans, potatoes, kale, onions and several types of lettuces and greens will soon be appearing in nutritious meals in Niles’ dining room. Later in the summer, fresh-picked strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and melons will become delicious and healthful desserts.
Besides the nutritional value of the produce, Niles’ garden offers several other advantages. The peace and quiet it affords is soothing for the children in our care, and a few moments sitting on a garden bench can help a child calm down. In fact, therapy sessions are sometimes conducted in the garden for that reason.
The garden and its output often reinforce things learned in the classroom, too. For example, spacing beddings plants is a good chance to use math skills. And the whole growth process of the plants may illustrate a point from science class.
Math skills will also come in handy at our Farmers’ Market, held every Tuesday afternoon starting June 8th from 4-7pm in Niles’ front yard. Good lessons about entrepreneurship, marketing, customer service and PR reinforce concepts taught to the children in Niles’ “Life Skills” classes.
Stop by our market at 1911 East 23rd Street any Tuesday this summer starting June 8th from 4-7 to stock up on organic fruits and vegetables. You’ll be helping the children of Niles Home when you do!