Nature Study and Gardening for Rural Schools by George Washington Carver is a short bulletin published in 1910 through his work at Tuskegee Institute that is free in the public domain.
Carver was a gifted horticulturist and biologist who after accepting Booker T. Washington’s offer worked at the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama for nearly twenty years making innovations in agriculture. He is best known for his work with peanuts — an easy-to-grow source of protein that does not deplete the soil like other crops.
Nature Study and Gardening, while aimed at rural public schools, offers a wide array of practical tips for nature study and gardening in a home setting. The bulletin covers:
- Different types of gardens.
- Selecting a site.
- Creating garden plots.
- Selecting tools.
- Preparing the soil.
- Selecting seeds.
- Planting.
- Cultivating.
- Harvesting.
- Marketing.
- Climate.
- Insects.
- Fertilizing.
- Diseases.
- Much more!
The bulletin also contains a very helpful gardening/planting calendar. Great concise content!
The thoughtful educator realizes that a very large part of the child’s education must be gotten outside of the four walls designated as class room. He also understands that the most effective and lasting education is the one that makes the pupil handle, discuss and familiarize himself with the real things about him, of which the majority are surprisingly ignorant….
If properly taught the practical Nature study method cannot fail to both entertain and instruct.
It is the only true method that leads up to a clear understanding of the fundamental principles which surround every branch of business in which we may engage. It also stimulates thought, investigation, and encourages originality.
We absolutely agree!
Free eBook
Additional Resources
Peanut Unit {Free}
Free teacher’s kit and lots of resources.
How to Grow the Peanut
Text (always practical) by Carver.
7 Helpful Gardening Resources
Planting their own fruits and veggies, and learning what plants need to grow, your children will be much more likely to eat them! Seven helpful gardening resources.
Keep Reading
Garden Notes: Master Gardener Course ~ Free Download!
Garden Notes, the Colorado Master Gardener Course is available for free download — all 940 pages!
For Memory’s Garden ~ Free eBook
For 1st grade through 8th grade, the book offers 40 selections to memorize throughout the year.
Free Nature Studies: Plants ~ Updated
We are updating our free nature studies for Our Wonderful World. The recently updated Garden Life section features 12 lessons on plants.