Growing little gardeners: Kids get opportunity to get down and dirty

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – The people behind a program helping kids reconnect with nature say it’s growing in popularity.

Gardens are making a comeback, at least at Nora Elementary School. A new program at the school called Growing Gardeners is getting kids out of the classroom and into the dirt.

Susan Devine started the In School Gardening Club a few years ago, and for the past two summers she’s been heading the Summer Enrichment Program.

With grant money from Washington Township, Susan was able to mentor about two dozen children as they learn to grow their own food.

In their garden, the kids have everything from garlic and lettuce to strawberries and kale. DeVine says studies show when kids have a hand in growing their food they are more likely to eat healthy.

“We see kids try things that under other circumstances kids wouldn’t try, like radishes and kale in their smoothies,” said DeVine. “So I’ve seen it first hand and it’s fun to watch.”

Bailey VanRooy, a student in the program says she loves learning about new plants.

“When you pick things you have to be careful because you don’t want to accidentally rip it or anything,” said VanRooy.

The summer portion is about three weeks, right in the heart of the summer growing season. Susan started a Go Fund Me page to raise money for additional training.

She wants to head out to Portland, Oregon to become a ‘Certified Garden Coordinator’ so she can create gardening programs for as many schools as she can.