Sulphur Springs Garden Club master gardener Diana Kyle.
Start counting: there’s collard greens, squash, kale, Jamaican callaloo, sugar cane, onions, tomatoes, bananas, edible marigolds (yes, really!), blueberries, peanuts, lettuce, oregano, mint, sage and so much more. This is the beautiful Garden Club at the Sulphur Springs PK-8 Community Partnership School, an estimated 800 square feet of space in Sulphur Springs – where students learn about growing plants and vegetables and then grow their own garden on campus. Many even go on to plant at home. This has translated into a community workshop attended by many local parents and residents, who not only learn to grow and take care of the plants and vegetables, but also generate extra income by selling them.
The Garden Club is supported by the Sulphur Springs YMCA Community Learning Center, located on the school grounds in addition to the Department of Agriculture, and Sulphur Springs Neighborhood of Promise.
This year about 28 third grade students participated in the Club and got to take 15 gallons of needed food home just before spring break.
Diana Kyle, master gardener oversees the Garden Club. She talks about the many benefits of the program.
“We incorporate math into the planting as we measure, count and sort. We grow and then cook healthy things. Pizza is their favorite though. They tell me it’s the best pizza they’ve ever had, and I tell them it’s because they grew the ingredients like tomatoes and basil. We cook easy things so the children are successful.”
In fact, Diana has helped create a “Garden Club’s Recipe Book,” featuring these easy recipes.
“Food is expensive nowadays. We’re giving our community free plants and vegetables and find them space at the Ybor City farmer’s market to sell. The YMCA is creating a ripple effect, and positive change. The kids are teaching their parents to plant and grow, and that is pretty powerful.”
Anica Upson agrees. She is a first-grade teacher at the school, and despite it being summer break drove in from Gibsonton, a 45-minute drive, to attend the community workshop.
“This is so vital to the community thanks to the YMCA. The Garden Club is amazing – sharing the knowledge and tools for success. I have grown okra, collard greens and tomatoes. It’s free, and we are learning just like the students. It is great to see families benefit with their kids."
Nicole Kettermann, Tampa Y’s Director of Youth Health and Wellness agrees. She oversees the Garden Club, and continuously champions it.
“From farm to table, the Garden Club is helping the neighborhood. Sulphur Springs is now a model community for other regions. We are being contacted to share our processes, and are glad to help. This is an important initiative.”
Published Wednesday, June 14, 2023.