Each season brings new learning and growth to our school farm. The first small shoots of our seedlings have popped up producing microgreens. Microgreens are young seedlings of edible vegetables and herbs harvested less than 14 days after germination. They are usually about 1-3 inches long and come in a rainbow of colors, which has made them popular in recent years as garnishes with chefs. Researchers have found that the nutrients in microgreens were 4 to 40 times greater than in mature plants. Since microgreens are harvested right after germination, all the nutrients they need to grow are there and that is why they are so concentrated. So, we through in a health lesson, thinned our radishes and nibbled on these tasty microgreens. Ask your kids about it. They all tried them.
Migration was a hot topic this week since our feathered friends the Purple Martins were sighted on the farm. Last year was our first year to host these amazing birds. They come to North America to raise their young ones and then travel back to South America. Purple Martins are native songbirds in the swallow family. East of the Rocky Mountains, Purple Martins nest almost exclusively in human-supplied housing. They are dependent on us for their survival. They are one of America’s most well-loved songbirds for many reasons; their chattering song, aerial acrobatics, insect-eating habits and their tolerance of humans. We are thrilled to have them home on the farm!
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