Dig The Earth And Find Yourself: Fall Gardening Events
Fall is a great time to harvest food, ideas and curiosity, so why not get the kids outdoors, exploring
nature, and perhaps, creating a garden? Maybe you want to till the earth of your own backyard (or
set your kids to work expending some energy) or simply create a few planter boxes. Perhaps you’d
like to teach your kids about the cycle of the seasons or have them feel more connected to the
food they eat or let them simply enjoy the nature around them. Whatever the case may be, there
are many ways to explore fall nature and gardening through children’s gardening/nature classes,
community gardens, and fall planting dates.
Fort Worth Gardening Classes and Events for Kids
Elizabeth Anna’s Old World Farm Garden has a very sweet Fall Farm School on October
18. Children have the opportunity to do many different types of farm and garden projects. They
will also have an opportunity to pull vegetables and herbs from the ground and use those to
prepare their lunches. In addition, while they learn how to care for the earth, they will also
learn how to care for themselves and each other through yoga, meal sharing, and up-cycling,
amongst other activities. This is a very hands-on experience and as such, limited to a small
number. Scholarships are available. Check out this Calendar of Events for other family-friendly
events related to nature and gardening.
Elizabeth Anna Urban Farm, 2815 8th Avenue, Fort Worth, TX 76110 # 817-922-0930
Archie’s Gardenland, founded in 1934, is one of the finest garden centers in Fort Worth. On
October 4, there will be a Halloween Fairy Garden Workshop from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. where
everyone will have an opportunity to create a cute and Halloween-themed garden.
Archie’s Gardenland, 6700 Z Boaz Pl, Fort Worth, TX 76116, # 817-737-6614
The Fort Worth Botanic Garden has some great family activities. The Backyard Vegetable Garden,
held once a month, has a brief lesson followed by a hands-on gardening activity for ages 4 on
up. You’ll be able to learn about monarchs and composting in the upcoming months. There is also
a Little Sprouts program for children ages 18-36 months. They’ll learn about watering, digging, and
testing fresh produce. There will be lessons on leaves, pumpkins, and worms in the next months.
Lastly is Family Drop-In, once a month from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. for crafting, history, and a tour. Bring
a picnic dinner for afterwards!
Dallas Gardening Classes and Events for Kids
The Texas Discovery Gardens in Dallas has many upcoming events from the State Fair of Texas to
How to Winterize Your Garden to a Garden Explorers’ Walk. In addition there are programs for
groups of kids called EarthKeepers ® Programming which includes seed structure, insects, math
in the context of gardening, compost, butterflies and more. There is also a Scouts Program which
increases knowledge of nature, as well as, fulfills badge requirements.
The Dallas Arboretum includes the incredible Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden. If you’re
not sure why you should visit, here’s a List of Top 50 Reasons of Why You Should Visit the Rory
Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden. The number one reason is because it’s the only children’s
museum in the world with 8 acres of exhibits and 150 interactive exhibits. There are daily activities
for kids beginning at 10:30 a.m. including topics such as wetlands, solar systems, and edible
gardens.
Community Gardens
You might be interested in joining a community garden where other inspired gardeners of all ages
are taking part. Let your child see how much of a community activity it can be. Community gardens
are located all over the DFW area including gardens in churches, shelters, non-profits, and other
places. . For example, Arlington has a lovely community garden with classes as well as the city of
Coppell which has Helping Hands Garden and Ground Delivery Garden.
Planting Dates
It can be more difficult to plant in the fall than the spring as you want to harvest before the winter
frosts begin, usually around the 5th of November. Definitely consider how much time your plant
needs between putting it in the earth and harvesting it. This information should be on the seed packet.
According to All Things Plants, you can directly sow the seeds of the following crops by October 6: beets,
carrots, chard, garlic, lettuce, mustard greens, radishes, and spinach. Plant onions by October 16 and
turnips by October 21. For a year-round planting schedule, take a look at this Almanac. If you have
gardening questions, you can ask Mr. Smarty Pants or look at a Native Plant Database.
Gandhi said, “To forget how to dig the earth and to tend the soil is to forget ourselves.”
It is through being in nature, watching the seasons come and go, watching the seasons of our children
come and go, that we feel more connected to ourselves and to each other. Take time this season to
cultivate nature (be that through a garden or through exploring the outdoors), ideas (try something
new), or curiosity (never stop learning). After all, education doesn’t end once you get out of school.
If anything, school is just the beginning.
