By Kayla Vickaryous
At Impact Public Schools, we believe learning comes to life when kids get their hands dirty—literally. This May, our Kindergarten scholars will do just that as they roll up their sleeves and plant their very own garden.
But here’s the thing: gardens don’t grow in isolation. They grow through care, connection, and—most importantly—community.
That’s why we’re thrilled to celebrate four incredible partners who are helping make this project bloom: Tilth Alliance’s CROPS Program, The Garden Hotline, Portland Avenue Nursery, and Cedar Grove.
Seeds of Culture and Community
Gardening is more than planting – it’s storytelling. It’s remembering the foods that remind us of home, the recipes passed down from abuelas and aunties, the flavors that spark joy and belonging.
That’s the mission behind Tilth Alliance’s Culturally Relevant Organic Plant Starts (CROPS) program. They grow and distribute thousands of edible plant starts that reflect the rich cultural roots of communities across King County—especially for refugee and immigrant families who may not find favorite foods locally.
Thanks to their generosity, our Kinders will be planting seeds that carry meaning beyond the soil—seeds of identity, curiosity, and connection to the world around them.
Growing Green Thumbs (And Kind Hearts)
Of course, every good garden starts with healthy soil and a little know-how. Enter The Garden Hotline—Tilth Alliance’s free, community-driven resource that helps gardeners (big and small!) cultivate sustainable practices.
They’ve equipped us with the soil and support we need to make sure our young gardeners not only grow plants, but also grow habits that help to care for our earth. From water conservation to natural pest control, our students are learning that taking care of a garden is also about taking care of our planet.
Even More Helping Hands
This project has also been made possible thanks to the generous support of Portland Avenue Nursery and Cedar Grove. Portland Avenue Nursery donated a variety of vibrant plants to help bring our Kinder garden beds to life, while Cedar Grove provided nutrient-rich compost to give our students’ seedlings the best possible start. Their contributions are helping our scholars build a garden that’s as thriving and diverse as the community around them.
Why This Matters
This isn’t just a science project. It’s an experience that helps our youngest learners:
- Get curious about where food comes from
- See their cultures reflected in the plants they grow
- Practice patience, responsibility, and teamwork
- Experience the joy of watching something they nurtured thrive
And honestly? It’s just plain fun. There’s nothing like the wide-eyed wonder of a five-year-old discovering a worm in the soil or seeing their first sprout pop up.
A Garden Grows With Community
We couldn’t bring this vision to life without our partners. So to Tilth Alliance and The Garden Hotline—thank you. You’re not just donating seeds and soil; you’re helping plant the seeds of a lifetime of learning.
And to our families and community—stay tuned. We can’t wait to share photos and stories from the garden as it grows!
Because at Impact, we’re all in for all kids. And sometimes, that means a little dirt under our fingernails.