We’ve always enjoyed reading and writing about students being recognized for growing winning vegetables, whether they were the largest pumpkins or cabbages in the U.S.

According to a recent press release from The United States Botanic Garden (USBG), “Across the United States, a growing number of schools are planting gardens, engaging in Farm-to-School activities, and integrating plant science into the curriculum.”

To that end, they have developed a free planting guide for educators wanting to use their school greenhouses to advance educational objectives for their students.

According to Saharah Moon Chapotin, executive director of the USBG, “We are thrilled to make it widely available free of charge. This useful resource will facilitate transformative learning experiences in schools nationwide while helping students gain an appreciation for the importance of plants.”

We were really impressed with all the information available in the new “Greenhouse Manual,” which we were able to download as a PDF file (Portable Document Format).

There was so much to learn, whether you are an educator, a student or even a home gardener: Soil mix ingredients, seeds, seedlings, planting schedules, succession planting, plant and pest descriptions, types of greenhouses, harvesting methods, budgets, and so much more! Many photographs and a listing of additional resources add to its benefits.

When you get the opportunity, take a look at the website www.USBG.gov/GreenhouseManual and be sure to download the free planting guide.

We know you will keep returning to it to learn something new, whether you’re a student or not!