Members of the Benjamin Logan community gathered Monday evening and observed the seasons going round as they participated in the first annual Crop Out, Compost, Cover Crop Cookout at the Growing Gardens, Growing Minds market garden.
Students, parents, and staff took the next step in the cycle of the garden by harvesting the last of what the soil, air, water and plants had combined to produce.
The crop residue was then processed for composting. The tomato trellises were disassembled, and the woven poly weed suppression system was removed and put into storage until next year.
After the work was completed, it was time to enjoy a meal together. Hot dogs and several sides, including a Caprese salad made with GGGM basil and tomatoes were served.
While autumn marks the end of the growing season, it is also a new beginning. Soon, the Ben Logan gardeners will be seeding a cover crop on the grounds.
“This mixture of rye, clover, forage radish and winter pea will draw up nutrients from deep in the ground and provide green manure as its part of the cycle ends,” representatives explained.
To participate in the Growing Gardens, Growing Minds initiative, contact Shelly Lane or Spencer Reames at the high school, Nancy Forsythe at the middle school, or Ryan Kerns or Bruce Smith at the elementary school.