Louisa Head Start Digs Into Spring with Raised-Bed Gardening Project

Louisa Head Start Digs Into Spring with Raised-Bed Gardening Project

Contact: Ross Compton

606-826-0147, ross.compton@nkcaa.net

Louisa Head Start recently partnered with Lawrence County Cooperative Extension and the Lawrence County Public Library to create raised bed gardens for each of its preschool classrooms.

The raised garden beds, constructed by Head Start parents and families, were filled with soil, plants, and seeds donated by the Lawrence County Cooperative Extension Service. Lawrence County Public Library provided gardening gloves, hand tools, knee mats and plant labels. Head Start students, parents  and teachers led the planting effort, sowing lettuce, cabbage, carrots, broccoli, beets, radishes, and a variety of flowers.

“I like the [garden] project because it gives the kids something to look forward to, something new. It helps them feel like they are doing something important and gives them a sense of pride.” – Jade Fitchpatrick, Louisa Head Start parent

“Seeing these youngsters get their hands dirty planting vegetables that they will soon be able to harvest and eat is amazing and it is a privilege to be a part of. There is a big percentage of youth that do not know where their food comes from and that is concerning. These students at Louisa Head Start are gaining information they will use forever.  We really enjoyed partnering with the school and library to make this project happen and I look forward to seeing it grow.” – Laura Maggard, Agriculture and Natural Resource Extension Agent for Lawrence County, KY

“This [Plant Day] was an amazing event and I’m so glad that the Lawrence County Public Library could have been a small part of it. So many people don’t  understand the process of cultivating, planting and caring for a garden. This was a great teachable opportunity that they will never forget.” – Tammy Lemaster, Outreach Director, Lawrence County Public Library

Louisa Head Start Center is located at 409 W. Pike St, next to First Baptist Church. The Center is part of Northeast Head Start, which serves 3- and 4-year-old children and their families in Lawrence, Carter, Elliott and Greenup counties. Northeast accepts applications year-round at all of its locations. For more information about Louisa Head Start, contact Ross Compton, Family Advocate, at 606-826-0147 or visit www.tinyurl.com/louisa-head-start-application to start an application for your child.