College grows great vegies and nurtures kids’ characters

The Nambour State College’s Kitchen Garden is brimming with all things wonderful right now. It is the growing season and it seems the school is not only growing cabbages and carrots, but healthy students too! 

The Kitchen Garden and its operations are aligned with the curriculum when at all possible, allowing students a hands on approach to learning, according to Kitchen Garden Coordinator Racheal Pascoe.

“So many of the College’s students use the Kitchen Garden each week,” she said. “Garden Club runs 3 times a week, where students come to work on garden maintenance, including watering, planting, weeding etcetera.”

The most exciting day of the week, though, is Wednesday where the students work together to harvest the produce. 

“They pick, pack and price it all and then present it at the Market Stall on campus to sell to parents and grandparents at pick-up time,” said  Racheal.  “Knowing where their food comes from is invaluable for the students. Last year we had a junior student who hadn’t ever tried a carrot. We helped him pull a couple of carrots up, wash them off and then he hesitantly tried one. He was ecstatic about the taste and is totally hooked. It is this kind of direct connection to our foods which is long lasting with people. He might remember that for the rest of his life. I know I will.”

Racheal said the garden’s reputation was growing. Each year Medicine students from the Griffith University visit the campus for a placement, as they are learning about healthy eating habits in primary school aged children. 

“The University students are all going to become doctors and are very interested in the investment Nambour State College has made in allowing the students to experience such an incredible Kitchen Garden. 

“The students are proud of their garden and it is very satisfying for them to be picking a crop from plants they planted as tiny seedlings or seeds. This ability to grow your own food might just be a skill they will need in the future. The students also save seeds for the next season, teaching them to think about and plan for the future.”

The Kitchen Garden has proven to be an important release for students and teachers alike during Covid-19. Racheal said many people on campus enjoyed a wander through the Kitchen Garden each week. “They’re simply wanting a break from the pressures of life. It seems Garden Therapy is a real thing.”

The Market Stall runs from 2.30-3pm each Wednesday (but be quick as the best produce goes fast!) and earns over $100 each week. The money is used for buying more mulch, seeds and seedlings etc to maintain the garden. In fact, the Kitchen Garden currently has a little money in the account to purchase bigger items. 

• If you would like to visit the Market Stall or tour the Nambour State College Kitchen Garden, please call 5459 0333. 

Picked, packed and priced ... Racheal Pascoe with students from the College Kitchen Garden selling up a storm on market day.