When you're starting out, it's best to grow not just the vegetables that you know your students will want to eat, but vegetables (and other plants) that have the best chance of survival!

Let's be honest, it would be a little demotivating for students if right out of the gate their crops failed. Better to get started on the right foot and stick with tried and true, fail-proof options.

So, what should you grow?

• Some plants are no brainers, like lettuces and leafy greens, all of which are almost impossible to fail with and they grow quickly. (Beans and peas are awesome too).
• Stephen recommends growing herbs in classrooms, because not only do they smell WONDERFUL but they grow quickly and abundantly so they can easily be cut back, as opposed to having to be replanted. Also, herbs are a great way to add life to the meals you and your students will prepare with all the amazing vegetables you're going to be growing, so that's another bonus.
• Wheat grass is amazing because you can literally see it grow daily, measure that growth, cut it back, blend or juice it, and then away you go!
• Fun veggies include: radishes, beets, carrots. Why? Because the edible part of the plant is under the ground and out of sight, which creates a sense of mystery, speculation and prediction. Stephen tends to prefer a mix of what he calls "over the ground" and "under the ground" small crops to maintain a level of "mystery, intrigue, and prediction", and to provide a variety of tastes, colours, sensations and purpose!
• Don't forget about flowers! Flowers pretty up the space, and provide great learning opportunities to teach about things like photosynthesis or plant reproductive systems.
• Even better? Grow edible flowers like nasturtiums and you get the best of both worlds!