How can worms help us?

SPROUTS learned "all about worms" this past Wednesday when they played an interactive game about worms and visited with special guest Matt Thompson, of Thompson Worm Farm.

Mr. Thompson discussed the anatomy of a worm and how they are useful in gardening. Focusing on the "waste" we create that can be beneficial to worm compost, he encouraged students to use their junk mail and vegetable and fruit scraps to feed St. Peter's own worm bin!

Mr. Thompson set up our school worm bin in layers, beginning with shredded paper and water. Then he added food scraps, more shredded paper and dirt to the mix. Before too long, the worms will be thriving in their special home, creating lovely (vermi)compost for our garden! For now, the worm bin resides in Ms. Schlosser's classroom if you want to check it out!

Many thanks to all of the teachers and parents who helped at our first SPROUTS meeting. It was our largest group ever! Thanks to Ms. Schlosser, Ms. Bailey and parent Jennifer Lockwood. Since welcoming first graders to the club, our total is approximately 45 students! WAY TO GO! That means there's a lot of interest for wellness, health and our school garden. We welcome more parents to join us if they are interested in our programs; we always learn something new! Click on SPROUTS under "Current Families" and "extracurricular activities" to download the "Worm Food in your trash" worksheet and try it at home.

Stay tuned for fall gardening with Melanie Mayo from Crabtree Farms next week!