The Free Press, Mankato, MN - Sprouts class targets young gardeners

Tue, Nov 24 2009

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Matilda Burg waters bean plants during Sprouts Pre-school Gardening class at the Mankato Good Counsel Community Gardens. The new class runs each Wednesday morning through the summer.
John Cross / The Free Press

Kids and parents venture from the Good Counsel community garden barn to the Kids’ Peace Garden.
John Cross / The Free Press

Garden coordinator Lisa Coons leads kids through a sing-along during sprouts class.
John Cross / The Free Press

Sprouts class targets young gardeners

By Nick Hanson
Free Press Staff Writer

“There is a lot of concern that kids aren’t getting outside enough,” Coons said. “We want to get away from so much indoor activity and get them outside.”

Zach Kahmann and his wife began renting a plot at the community garden this summer after moving into a Mankato apartment from a Duluth house with a spacious yard.

He brought his 3-year-old daughter along while they gardened. She grew fond of the area, so he started bringing her to class.

“They see the stuff and get to eat it, and understand where it came from,” Kahmann said. “You’re not at the mall. It’s a good summertime activity for them.”

Melissa Martensen, mother of 2-year-old Lily, says the class was unique and valuable.

“(Lily) loves it. It’s wonderful,” she said. “It’s everything she could want to do — she’s digging in the dirt and looking for worms.”

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