Winter Chickering Grows

CHICKERING GROWS

WHAT IS CHICKERING GROWS?

Chickering GROWS is a PTO-sponsored community initiative that encourages students to learn about gardening and gain hands-on experience growing their own plants at home while connecting with the Chickering community. Students develop important life skills like patience and responsibility as they care for a living thing. We offer different grow kits each season for ALL AGES. No green thumb required! Students, teachers & staff, and members of the Dover Council on Aging connect with one another through our Chickering GROWS Padlet and website, as well as bi-monthly newsletters. While we cannot grow together in the school garden, it will be fun to all be growing the same things in our homes and classrooms and share with one another the beauty and fun of gardening!

WHAT DID WE GROW THIS FALL?

We are still in the process of growing zinnias in a self watering bell jar garden, exploring hydroponics and discovering how and why plants are able to grow without soil!

WHAT WILL WE BE GROWING THIS WINTER?

We will be growing AMARYLLIS and learning all about bulbs! Amaryllis are impressive, winter blooming bulbs that produce long stems and big brightly colored flowers.

ALL ABOUT BULBS!

Bulbs come in all shapes and sizes! Bulbs serve as food storage lockers for plants, packed with enough food for the whole growing season to survive tough months, as well as sprout new plants! There are several types of bulbs, including True Bulbs, Corms, Tubers and Rhizomes. Amaryllis is a True Bulb, which grows in layers like an onion. Inside the tube is a “mini’ version of the plant’s flower!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Are amaryllis easy to grow?

Yes, Amaryllis may be the easiest and most impressive flower you will ever grow! Your plant will bloom indoors 6-8 weeks after potting.

How many years will an amaryllis bulb bloom?

With proper care, an amaryllis bulb can grow and bloom for decades!

How often does an amaryllis bloom?

The plant generally blooms once a year. There may be several flower stalks that bloom in succession, so the show may last for weeks.

How much sun does an amaryllis need?

Place the newly planted bulb in a cool spot with bright light. As the leaves and shoots emerge, the plant can go in front of a sunny window. Once the flowers open, place the plant out of direct sun to prolong bloom and prevent flower color from fading.

How often should you water an amaryllis plant?

Until the bulb has sprouted leaves and/or flower shoots, keep the planting mix just slightly moist. When the plant is actively growing leaves and flowers, water when the top inch of soil is dry. Apply enough water to moisten the whole root ball, and allow excess to drain off.

Should I stake my amaryllis?

Large-flowered amaryllis can get top-heavy and topple, so using an amaryllis stake may be helpful. Placing them in a heavyweight pot also helps stabilize the plant.

Should I fertilize my amaryllis?

There is no need for fertilizer as the bulb is growing. The bulb contains all the nutrients the plant needs to produce leaves and flower stalks.

What should I do with the amaryllis after it blooms?

You can simply toss it in a compost bin OR follow simple but exacting steps to get it to rebloom next winter!

THE LANGUAGE OF FLOWERS

Every flower carries its own special meaning and symbolism. The meaning of amaryllis is radiant beauty, determination and success. The name of amaryllis comes from Virgil's 'Eclogues'. In his epic poem, Virgil describes a beautiful nymph named 'Amarysso', meaning ‘to sparkle’. Amaryllis is associated with determination because of its height and sturdiness. And because its flower blossoms for a long time, it is symbolic of achieving success over a long and difficult struggle.

INTERGENERATIONAL GARDEN PROGRAM

Chickering GROWS welcomes Dover Council on Aging (COA) members to grow alongside our students. Our shared goal is for students and seniors to experience increased wellness from the therapeutic qualities of gardening as well as create lasting and meaningful connections with one another!

SHARE YOUR PHOTOS ON CHICKERING GROWS PADLET

We cannot wait to see photos of your Amaryllis as it progresses on the Chickering GROWS Winter Padlet! CLICK HERE to post and view photos of your growing projects!