As Spring approaches, NSNP garden apprentices determine what they want to plant and where it is to be planted to start the seedling process. 

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The crop planning process for Raíces de Cambio began before the New Year, with Gardener Sky Deswert and Garden Educator Ria Alfonso determining what seed packets to order for this season. 

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Ria shares that the selected seeds are chosen by what the Raíces de Cambio youth want to grow in 2024, what produce is culturally relevant to the community NSNP serves, and prioritizing Puerto Rican and local seed sellers.

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Once seed packets arrived, Ria worked with the garden apprentices to create a crop plan for El Batey Garden. This activity taught the youth how to map out a garden and its crops. 

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During this crop planning session, the youth split into groups, assigned garden beds, a list of crops, and a set of guidelines for consideration. To determine what crops they would like planted in their assigned beds, they had to think about what grew there last year, what pest issues could arise, and what each crop’s sun, water, and soil needs are. 

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After all seed packets arrived and the garden apprentices finalized a crop plan, it was time to plant the seeds. 

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On February 20, 2024, NSNP youth started the seedling process. They filled seed starting trays with dirt, read the seed requirements and placed them accordingly, misted them with water to help with moisture, and then covered them to retain moisture over time. 

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Quickly after the initial planting of the seeds, growth has begun! Some seeds have started sprouting, and others are making their way, gearing up excitement for this upcoming season.

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