Connecting Students to Agriculture
Want to encourage your students to get their hands dirty and learn about science, math and nutrition in a hands-on way?
Our Spuds in Tubs Farm to School Program is the perfect project! Your students will learn about plant biology, soil health and sustainable food production while growing delicious potatoes in tubs.
This program is offered in partnership with:
The Spuds in Tubs program is designed to connect students with their local food system and help them develop a deeper appreciation for where their food comes from. Students will learn about the history and culture of potatoes, as well as the importance of supporting local farmers and sustainable food systems. The program encourages collaboration and creativity, and students will have the satisfaction of watching their hard work pay off with a bountiful harvest!
WHO:
The Spuds in Tubs program is for students in grades 3–9. Limited enrolment* 100 schools (in Alberta) will be selected to participate.
WHAT:
Students will learn about plant biology, soil health and sustainable food production. The program also teaches students about the importance of reducing food waste, composting and using resources responsibly.
WHEN:
There will be a virtual workshop in Fall 2024 to kick off the program. Teachers will pick up their kits in February and classes will begin their planting at the end of February.
Why Potatoes?
Potato plants are the ideal teaching crop: they can be planted in containers and can be harvested before the end of the school year. And, they’re healthy and delicious!
Why grow potatoes in a container?
There are several advantages to growing potatoes in a container.
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It’s easier to protect the potatoes from pests, weeds and Mother Nature
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It’s a fun learning opportunity for students because potato plants grow stunningly fast
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You can use them as a teaching tool for a variety of school subjects
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Kids love potatoes
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THE PROGRAM
What's included?
Registered teachers will pick up growing kits from a designated greenhouse listed below.
Kits including: bags of soil, seed potatoes, plant food, tubs for the plants and learning resources.
Let's get growing!
We have partnered with the following greenhouses in Alberta who will be distributing the resources to teachers.
Salisbury Greenhouse - Sherwood Park
Salisbury at Enjoy – St. Albert
Parkland Nurseries & Garden Centre – Red Deer
Blue Grass Nursery, Sod, and Garden Centre – Calgary
Green Haven Garden Centre – Lethbridge
Sunnyside Nursery – Taber
Windmill Garden Centre and Butterfly House – Medicine Hat
Thank you to our program supporters.
With the help of our generous partners, this program is offered free of charge to participating schools.
Russet Sponsors
APIA (Alberta Potato Industry Associates)
Cavendish
Edmonton Potato Growers
FW Seed Potatoes
Independent Crop Inputs
Lamb Weston
Miyanaga Farms Ltd.
Old Dutch Foods
Simplot
SLM Spud Farms
Woordman Farms
Tuber Sponsors
Grassy Lake Potato Company
Jakeco Holdings
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