Studying Crop Differences - Gardening Guides for Students + Teachers + Organic School Gardens ` For more information, Please see websites below: ` Organic Edible Schoolyards & Gardening with Children http://scribd.com/doc/239851214 ` Double Food Production from your School Garden with Organic Tech http://scribd.com/doc/239851079 ` Free School Gardening Art Posters http://scribd.com/doc/239851159` ` Companion Planting Increases Food Production from School Gardens http://scribd.com/doc/239851159 ` Healthy Foods Dramatically Improves Student Academic Success http://scribd.com/doc/239851348 ` City Chickens for your Organic School Garden http://scribd.com/doc/239850440 ` Simple Square Foot Gardening for Schools - Teacher Guide http://scribd.com/doc/239851110

1. A52 Studying crop differences
Crops vary enormously between each other, such as aubergine
and cucumber, as well as between varieties within each crop, such
as yellow and red tomatoes. There are also similarities, such as
flowers and growth habits. The following activity investigates this
tremendous diversity based on plants growing in school gardens and
can be adapted to suit different age groups.
Resources
Top tip
•
• Pen and paper
Curriculum links
Range of crops
J
Link this work to wider
learning.
Activity
• How do varieties support
Darwin’s theory of
evolution?
1 Select a minimum of two crops or two varieties.
2 Find out about leaves, flowers, roots, colour, size, season of growth, history,
country of origin, history in your own garden, use in the kitchen, etc.
3 Use your senses to describe each one, ie sight, smell, sound, touch, and
of course, taste.
4 Write or draw the differences and similarities.
Extended activities
1 Investigate the arguments for and against ‘genetically modified’ (GM) crops.
• Historic links to heritage
varieties (see G3.4 for
examples).
• How do crops grown today
differ from 100 years ago?
• How do growing methods
of today differ from 100
years ago?
2 Investigate whether organic seed is worth buying, and the availability of supplies.
3 Investigate a particular vegetable family, such as the ‘brassica’ family, which includes Brussels sprout, cabbage,
cauliflower and many others. Tip: see crop rotation guidance in S3.2 and ‘Edible plant parts’ poster.
4 Take part in Garden Organic’s Members’ Experiments. Every year, schools can compare varieties and
gardening techniques. See www.gardenorganic.org.uk
Health &
Safety
Only eat varieties and parts of the plant you’re sure are safe to eat, ensuring adult supervision.
Further
information
S3.2 Planning crop rotation
See also Health and Safety Guidelines (Section SG1.2)
G3.4 Comparing varieties
Organic Gardening Catalogue www.organiccatalogue.com
Heritage Seed Library www.gardenorganic.org.uk/hsl
The Museum of Garden History www.museumgardenhistory.org
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