[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|tablet” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_padding=”6px||30px||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”||15px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”||10px||false|false” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” header_3_text_color=”#0a1766″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
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By Wendy Kelly<\/p>\n
North Texas, United States<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_5,2_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Any experienced gardener will tell you never to stop learning. Don\u2019t wait till you think you \u201cknow it all\u201d to begin. Some guidelines are helpful, and plants do have certain needs such as food, water, and shelter.<\/p>\n
While it\u2019s a nice idea to start off big, think small first. Nature is complicated, and it\u2019s hard to find the right balance. So to avoid getting frustrated, begin with one or two vegetable beds at first.<\/p>\n
Building the Bed<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Soil in our North Texas<\/strong> region is hard to deal with. While you can amend the soil with minerals, a much easier and more economic solution is to build a raised bed. At Out Teach, formerly known as REAL School Gardens, our beds measure four feet (ft.) by eight ft. and are built at a depth of nine inches. We have found that size to permit a fruitful amount of plants while keeping the soil deep enough to hold moisture through our hot Texas summers.<\/p>\n Here are a few tips:<\/p>\n Strengthening the Soil<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Soil will rarely have enough nutrients on its own, so add an organic mixture of minerals, sand, clay and fertilizer. Organic fertilizers can be purchased at nurseries and should have enough nitrogen and phosphorus in them. Make sure to fertilize plants as soon as you plant them and after they fruit.<\/p>\n Managing the Mulch<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Mulching around your plants with wood chips or hay will help hold in moisture. Make sure your mulch doesn\u2019t touch the stem of the plant or it will rot.<\/p>\n Growing the right plants at the right time is very important. Wherever you live, it is important to consult a local planting calendar.<\/p>\n Have a suggestion for this story? We\u2019d love for you to\u00a0submit it<\/a>!<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/mathkind.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/school-garden-1737320_640-1.jpg” alt=”inflating the balloon” title_text=”school-garden-1737320_640″ align=”center” force_fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/mathkind.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/US-Texas-GMS_boy-planting-in-yellow-shirt-600-x-400.png” alt=”A smiling child holds a plant pot while others work in raised garden beds behind him” title_text=”US Texas GMS_boy planting in yellow shirt (600 x 400)” align=”center” force_fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”9px” text_line_height=”1.2em” custom_margin=”-40px||||false|false” custom_padding=”||||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Adaptation of “Children volunteers helping plant a pollinator garden<\/a>” by Lafferty Chuck, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Public domain.<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_accordion _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Blank” open=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_css_main_element=”display: none; ” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Blank<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Math Resources” open_toggle_text_color=”#0a1766″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” toggle_text_color=”#0a1766″ toggle_font_size=”18px” open=”off”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Extension Question” open_toggle_text_color=”#0a1766″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” toggle_text_color=”#0a1766″ toggle_font_size=”18px” open=”off”]<\/p>\n Why is knowing where your food comes from important? How might understanding where it\u2019s grown, how it\u2019s made, or who produces it affect your health, the environment, and the people involved? What choices could you make differently if you knew more about the journey your food takes to reach your plate?<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Explore Further” open_toggle_text_color=”#0a1766″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” toggle_text_color=”#0a1766″ toggle_font_size=”18px” open=”off”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Share Your Story” open_toggle_text_color=”#0a1766″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” toggle_text_color=”#0a1766″ toggle_font_size=”18px” open=”off”]<\/p>\n\n
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