Herb lessons help kids become seasoned pros
The preschool garden lesson involved tips on growing herbs.
By ALISON KEMP
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
YOUNGSTOWN -- Basil, oregano and parsley -- three herbs used for making pizza.
And the three herbs were planted by five preschoolers at Fellows Riverside Gardens at Mill Creek Park so that they could make their own pizza with the proper seasonings at home.
Children from across the Mahoning Valley planted the herbs in a terra cotta pot under the guidance of Anita Wesler, FRG's horticulture expert and full-time teacher.
"The point of growing this is so you can use them," Wesler said at Wednesday's event.
She began the Pizza Herb Garden session with a few tips about the herbs that would be planted. She said they are forgiving plants, but watch them because they can grow all summer long, and the basil is particularly sensitive, so it needs to be brought inside if the temperature drops below 50 degrees.
Each of the kids smelled the herbs, some wrinkling their noses and others smiling because it reminded them of pizza.
Taste tests
Wesler wanted them to taste what they were growing, so she made two snacks -- one with a tortilla, cream cheese and basil and the second with olive oil and basil on flat bread. Garlic powder and other seasonings were used on both.
Gina Santangelo, 5, from Canfield, said watching Wesler make the snacks was her favorite part.
"[Gina] uses the knowledge at grandma's house," said Gina's grandmother, Lucille Santangelo.
Herbs, Wesler said, do not need a lot of fertilizer, but a small amount is suggested. Also, basil can grow flowers, which need to be picked off, she added.
Dolly Vivalo, a 1997 master gardener who was helping Wesler with the session, said the oregano will grow yearly without replanting. Basil also is a perennial, but typically does not do well during its second year. Parsley is an annual plant, so it will not grow back. Therefore, she suggests moving the oregano and the basil from the pot to the garden at the end of the summer.
After planting the herbs, the children were given time to ask questions and water the plants.
"How do you keep the bunnies away?" asked Elizabeth Cardiero, 5, from Girard.
Wesler explained that rabbits and deer tend to avoid plants with scents, so the basil, oregano and parsley will be avoided.
The session ended with a book about gardening, where each page was dedicated to one letter from the alphabet and something garden-related that began with that letter.
There is one more Pizza Herb Garden session from 11 a.m. to noon Saturday. Call (330) 740-7116 for more information.