November 17th by Gabriela

Today, November 17, we went to Farm King. We learned how to make pesto and how to plant a plant. Kiki was the one that showed us how to make pesto and Brian showed us how to plant.
To make pesto you need basil leaves which we got fresh from our garden. First you tear the leaves into little bits, then you add a bit of salt to make the leaves softer and easier to break down. Then you add raw or roasted chopped garlic. After you add the garlic you beat it to crush the leaves- while doing that you add a little bit of pepper and olive oil (good for your heart) and when the pesto looks well crushed, grab some pita bread and enjoy!
To plant a plant there are many steps. The first step is to choose a plant that you would like to plant, but before you plant your plant you have to cultivate the soil. After the soil is cultivated you dig a hole big enough to fit the plant inside, but not too deep. When you put the plant inside the hole you then cover the plant's roots with dirt but not so much that you cover the whole plant. After covering the plant's roots with soil you water it but not so much that you drown the poor plant. After you have done all those tasks, all you have to do now is care for your plant. That is what some people did today at Farm King with Kiki and Brian.

by Miguel

Farm King is one of the most exciting school activities I have participated in. When my class visits the garden, we do a lot of things. We go around watering the trees and plants, we have tasted food made by the Farm King people from the fruits and vegetables they grew in the garden, and more. We decorated pumpkins to put out in the garden, we learned about plants and insects, and we put blue trash cans around the school to help recycle. I have learned a lot from Farm King and I hope I can learn more and more.  

by Eunice

Hi everybody! My name is Eunice Lee and I’m here to tell you about our school’s, Thomas Starr King Middle School, new program, Farm King. At Farm King, we learn about how to reduce waste. The people working there are Tomas O’ Grady, Kiki Crawford, Meg Taylor, and Brian Miller. We learn about composting with earthworms, recycling, and how to make food while saving the planet. Compost is a mixture of decaying organic matter. Earthworms eat the organic matter and poop it out which makes soil. We recycle at our school. We set recycling bins all over the school to let other people recycle and know in their hearts that they are saving the planet. Meg Taylor made cinnamon apples using a solar oven. It helps cook the apples into apple pie filling and tastes really good. Our class really enjoys Farm King and hopes to save the planet.

by Lee

The Environmental Youth Conference is a meeting that encourages teens and their families to save the planet. My experience attending the meetings was interesting. There were booths that give you information and brochures that tell about curing the Earth. There were also speakers, who talked about using alternative fuels, solar energy, conserving water and energy, the importance of trees, recycling, and reducing the use of plastic. Some teens even suggested some ideas to help make a difference. There were also actors from the TV shows: The Secret Life of the American Teenager, Sonny with a Chance, Hannah Montana, Cory in the House, etc. They talked about their organization and experiences. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa was even there to speak. My experience there really opened my eyes. I’ve learned to save water and energy and to recycle more often.

by Kathrina

    At Thomas Starr King M.S. we have a garden called “Farm King”. Every Tuesday Ms. Ralph’s classes get to go out to the garden and help out. We learn about composting, farming, and helping out the environment. Every Tuesday when we leave the garden, we are enriched with so much new information. With that information, they encourage us to put it into action. By putting it into action, we encourage others to do the same as well. Which therefore concludes to a lot of kids making a difference for our planet. Instead of having lectures and sitting at a desk, we get to learn through a hands-on experience. Which is why everyone looks forward to Tuesdays and getting to help out at the garden.

by Ignacio

At Farm King I learned that a worm is a both boy and girl. I have also learned how to grow a plant. Also how to plant a seed and which items are recyclable and which are not. I have also learned how to spread mulch. I have learned that freshly grown fruits, vegetables, and herbs taste better than store bought food. I have also learned how to decorate a Halloween pumpkin. I have learned how to build a bench. Also how to make a compost and what to put into a compost which is biodegradable items such as watermelon rinds and banana peels. I have also learned how to make a paper pot.
That is what I have learned.

sent from Karla!

On Wednesday November 4, Ms. Ralph’s 4th period class went on a field trip to the Environmental Youth Conference. We were given many items to inspire us in taking care of our environment, such as workbooks, buisness cards, and speeches. From saving energy to saving water and using different sources of fuels, we were exposed to information that if every one of us would follow, we could all make a difference in the world. We can’t just count on President Obama to help us fix the damage done to our Earth. If we all take a step and set an example, everyone else just might follow. We’re the future and we can all make it a different tomorrow.

Welcome to Farm King!

This is where the students from Farm King will be posting information about what they are learning and doing in the garden at Thomas Starr King Middle School.