A New Season of Growth is Here!
Marcus Kassick, Community Engagement Coordinator [TerraCorps]
After months of cold weather and frozen soil, we’re finally back where we belong: outside. The garden beds are waking up, the air smells fresh, and the students are rediscovering just how good it feels to get their hands in the dirt again. It’s the season of new beginnings and we’re here for every moment of it!
We’ve spent the past few weeks preparing the outdoor classes and making sure everything is ready for planting by topping off our garden beds with fresh, healthy soil. Students love this process, even if they don’t always realize how much science is happening right in front of them. As they dig and mix, they’re learning about soil structure, decomposition, and the hidden world of microbes and worms working beneath our feet. Each handful of soil is full of life, and as students break up clumps and smooth out the beds, they’re setting the stage for a season of growth.
Members of our afterschool program at the Cambridge Community Center preparing the garden beds by adding fresh soil!
And while we haven’t planted just yet, the garden is already bursting with discoveries. Early perennials are peeking through the soil, reminding us that not everything goes to sleep in winter. Trees that looked bare just a few weeks ago are now dotted with tiny buds, promising leaves and flowers to come. Even some invertebrates and insects are returning—every worm, ant, and bee sighting sparks a round of excitement as students piece together how each tiny creature plays a role in the ecosystem around them.
Of course, the best part of spring gardening isn’t just the science—it’s the feeling of being outside again. After spending much of winter indoors, students can finally stretch their legs, breathe in the fresh air, and experience the changing season with all their senses. There’s a renewed energy in every garden session, whether it’s students running to their favorite beds, eagerly asking when they can plant, or simply basking in the warmth of the sun.
Garden planting plan done by a student!
And soon, the real magic begins—planting. In the coming weeks, students will carefully place seeds and seedlings like swiss chard, kale, collard greens, dill, and cilantro into the soil, marking the beginning of a season-long journey. They’ll water, weed, and wait (sometimes impatiently!) as the first sprouts emerge. There’s something incredible about watching kids make the connection between the tiny seed they planted and the food they’ll eventually eat. It’s a process that teaches patience, care, and appreciation for the effort that goes into growing food that’s on our plate.
Spring is a season of possibilities, and the gardens are full of them. As we move forward, we’ll be planting, observing, and celebrating every small milestone along the way. We can’t wait to watch students grow alongside their gardens—learning, exploring, and connecting with the world around them.
Stay tuned for updates as we move into the next stage of our spring garden season—there’s so much more to come! 🌱