Are you and your garden committee in need of some support and mentorship? In this episode Mary Jo talks with Laura Thomas and Peggy Word from The Eden Project UT. Listen along as they discuss their organization and share details about their nationwide school garden coaching program, SproUTing Teachers.

With two pathways to choose from—Individual Teaching Coaching or Group Garden Leadership Coaching to support your whole committee—this mentorship course is designed to set you and your garden program up for long-term success and sustainability.

Applications for the 2026–2027 school year are open now through May 1st, 2026.

Eden Project UT Website:

https://www.edenut.org⁠

More Information about the Coaching Programs:

https://www.edenut.org/programs

Application Link:
SproUTing Teachers

Small crop, big impact! Join Anne and Mary Jo as they dig into the when, how, and why of growing microgreens—and why this lightning-fast crop deserves a big place in every school garden program.

Along the way, Mary Jo makes a GSA, Anne contemplates the fine art of flushing, and we explore how this tiny crop can inspire macro-sized entrepreneurial ideas for older students.

Because when it comes to microgreens, a little really does grow a lot.

Podcast Outline:

00:40 - Episode Intro

01:40: How Was Your Week - Embrace the Scruffy!

06:33 - Microgreens Introduction

08:31 - What to Grow and Why Grow Them

- Quick Growers - Radish, Broccoli, Mustard, Kale, Cabbage (green and red), Arugula and Turnip (0 - 2 weeks)

- Longer Growers - Sunflowers, Peashoots, Basil, Carrot, Beet, Chard, Cilantro, Fennel, Dill, Parsley (2 - 4 weeks)

11:09 - Amaranth

Red Garnet Amaranth - True Leaf Market. Link here

16:11 - How to Grow Microgreens

21:41 - When Are They Ready and Harvesting

22:45 - Classroom Activities with Microgreens

28:10 - Making a Business or Fundraiser from Microgreens - ideal for older students

36:10 - Outro and Thanks for Listening - Keep Flushing!

Educator Bonus Episode

Looking for a grant to support your school garden efforts?

Then, look no further than the Whole Foods Market Foundation's Garden Grant program. Listen in as Mary Jo talks with Ashley Ellis, the Edible Education Program Lead on the Improving Children Nutrition Pillar of Whole Foods Market Foundation.

Listen quickly and act quickly! The deadline for this grant round has been extended to March 15, 2026.

Learn more and apply here: https://www.wholefoodsmarketfoundation.org/our-work/childrens-nutrition/garden-grant