Three local schools will be starting school gardens thanks to a generous grant from the New York State 4-H Foundation. The schools are Apalachin Elementary School, Candor Elementary, and Elm Street School in Waverly.

According to Cornell Cooperative Extension, the "Pumpkin Patch" Program - a fun, hands-on, educational gardening project - will teach young elementary students about agriculture, gardening, and nutrition. Students will start plants indoors from seeds in the spring, build raised beds on school grounds with the help of parents and volunteers, then plant their seedlings and care for them in the spring and summer. Summer care of the gardens will be overseen by 4-H teens who will assist the students and their families when they come to check on their plants when school is not in session. When the students return to school in the fall, they will learn about the history, biology, and nutrition aspect of pumpkins. 

The project will conclude with a pumpkin display and awards ceremony in October, where prizes will be awarded in many different categories. Students will also display posters and growth journals about their pumpkins at the Tioga County Fair in July, and at Iron Kettle Farms this fall.