9 Activities

Farm to Table Kids

Farm to Table Kids’ mission is to help children find what lights their heart in nature through organic gardening, farm to table cooking, and nature crafting - online and at their organic kids farm campus in Freeport, Maine.

From Gardening 101 tips, tricks, and hands-on science-based experiences to exploring the life cycle of Dahlias, these nature-based learning activities and resources are sure to inspire foundational, joyful, garden-based learning.

Activities

Tuber Trouble or Garden Gold?: How to Perform a Dahlia Tuber Health Check

Nature and Wildlife, STEM

Grades 3 - 8

Tuber Trouble or Garden Gold?: How to Perform a Dahlia Tuber Health Check

Farm to Table Kids

3 - 8

1 Hour 10 Minutes

Before planting, it’s important to know if your dahlia tubers are ready to grow—or headed for the compost bin! In this hands-on science and garden investigation lesson, students become garden scientists by learning how to evaluate the health of a dahlia tuber. Using visual guides, observation, and a detailed health check worksheet, students will sort tubers into "Plant Me," "Needs Help," or "Compost Bin." They'll gain confidence identifying healthy growing signs—like firmness and visible eyes—and learn how to identify a healthy vs an unhealthy dahlia tuber.

This activity is 1 of 5 in the "How to Grow Dahlias" module from Farm to Table Kids. Visit the module to view the full set of learning resource and learn more about Part 1 of the module series, "Things to Know Before You Grow."

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Tuber Trouble or Garden Gold?: How to Perform a Dahlia Tuber Health Check

Nature and Wildlife, STEM

Grades 3 - 8

First Frost, Last Frost, No Frost: Understanding Nature’s Garden Clock

Nature and Wildlife, STEM

Grades 3 - 8

First Frost, Last Frost, No Frost: Understanding Nature’s Garden Clock

Farm to Table Kids

3 - 8

1 Hour 10 Minutes

In this activity, students explore how understanding frost dates and using a seed-starting calculator can help them plan a successful school garden. Working in small groups and using data-driven tools, students will create a collaborative class-wide garden collage that reflects their local growing season, planting schedule, and the specific needs of different crops.

This activity is 2 of 4 in the "Things to Know Before You Grow" module from Farm to Table Kids. Visit the module to view the full set of learning resource and learn more about Part 2 of the module series, "How to Grow Dahlias."

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First Frost, Last Frost, No Frost: Understanding Nature’s Garden Clock

Nature and Wildlife, STEM

Grades 3 - 8

Design Your Garden, Define Your Season: How to Draw Your Garden Layout

Nature and Wildlife, STEM

Grades 3 - 8

Design Your Garden, Define Your Season: How to Draw Your Garden Layout

Farm to Table Kids

3 - 8

1 Hour 25 Minutes

In this foundational garden planning lesson, students will explore the art and science of designing a functional and beautiful garden layout. First, they will create a “Garden Vision Board Classroom Collage” to spark their imagination. Then, they will draw their own garden layouts based on real dimensions and plant spacing. Students will begin their growing season with creativity, purpose, and intention.

This activity is 4 of 4 in the "Things to Know Before You Grow" module from Farm to Table Kids. Visit the module to view the full set of learning resource and learn more about Part 2 of the module series, "How to Grow Dahlias."

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Design Your Garden, Define Your Season: How to Draw Your Garden Layout

Nature and Wildlife, STEM

Grades 3 - 8

How to Cut Back, Dig Up, Divide & Store Dahlia Tubers Part 1: Buried Treasure – Cut Back & Dig Up Dahlia Tubers

Nature and Wildlife, STEM

Grades 3 - 8

How to Cut Back, Dig Up, Divide & Store Dahlia Tubers Part 1: Buried Treasure – Cut Back & Dig Up Dahlia Tubers

Farm to Table Kids

3 - 8

1 Hour 30 Minutes

Students will learn how and when to cut back dahlia plants after frost and safely dig up the tubers for overwintering. Through observation, they’ll track seasonal indicators and begin hands-on harvesting and data collection to prepare tubers for drying.

This activity is 4 of 5 in the "How to Grow Dahlias" module from Farm to Table Kids. Visit the module to view the full set of learning resources and learn more about Part 1 of the module series, "Things to Know Before You Grow."

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How to Cut Back, Dig Up, Divide & Store Dahlia Tubers Part 1: Buried Treasure – Cut Back & Dig Up Dahlia Tubers

Nature and Wildlife, STEM

Grades 3 - 8

How to Cut Back, Dig Up, Divide & Store Dahlia Tubers Part 2: Split & Save – Divide and Store Tubers

Nature and Wildlife, STEM

Grades 3 - 8

How to Cut Back, Dig Up, Divide & Store Dahlia Tubers Part 2: Split & Save – Divide and Store Tubers

Farm to Table Kids

3 - 8

1 Hour 20 Minutes

In this activity, students will learn about tuber anatomy after drying and practice safe division techniques. Then, they will examine and document the tubers' healthy eyes, necks, and bodies. Finally, they will prepare the tubers for proper storage based on the climate. This is the second part of a two-part activity.

This activity is 5 of 5 in the "How to Grow Dahlias" module from Farm to Table Kids. Visit the module to view the full set of learning resource and learn more about Part 1 of the module series, "Things to Know Before You Grow."

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How to Cut Back, Dig Up, Divide & Store Dahlia Tubers Part 2: Split & Save – Divide and Store Tubers

Nature and Wildlife, STEM

Grades 3 - 8

From Bud to Bloom: How to Organically Care For & Harvest Dahlias

Nature and Wildlife, STEM

Grades 3 - 8

From Bud to Bloom: How to Organically Care For & Harvest Dahlias

Farm to Table Kids

3 - 8

1 Hour 20 Minutes

Now that your dahlias are planted and thriving, it’s time to learn how to care for them as they grow—and how to harvest them at their peak! In this hands-on lesson, students will explore supporting healthy dahlia plants through watering, pest monitoring, pinching, and staking. Then they’ll learn when and how to harvest dahlias to enjoy long-lasting, vibrant blooms.

This activity is 3 of 5 in the "How to Grow Dahlias" module from Farm to Table Kids. Visit the module to view the full set of learning resource and learn more about Part 1 of the module series, "Things to Know Before You Grow."

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From Bud to Bloom: How to Organically Care For & Harvest Dahlias

Nature and Wildlife, STEM

Grades 3 - 8

Garden Eyes Open! How to Garden Journal Like a Pro

Nature and Wildlife, STEM

Grades 3 - 8

Garden Eyes Open! How to Garden Journal Like a Pro

Farm to Table Kids

3 - 8

1 Hour 15 Minutes

In this engaging and interactive lesson, students will practice mindful garden walks and document their observations in both personal and class-wide garden journals. They will learn to record their findings on plant growth, soil health, pollinators, weather, and more by using visual cues, sketches, and sensory reflections. The journal will serve as both a scientific tool and a narrative for the garden!

This activity is 3 of 4 in the "Things to Know Before You Grow" module from Farm to Table Kids. Visit the module to view the full set of learning resource and learn more about Part 2 of the module series, "How to Grow Dahlias."

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Garden Eyes Open! How to Garden Journal Like a Pro

Nature and Wildlife, STEM

Grades 3 - 8

Grow Where You’re Planted: Understanding Plant Hardiness Zones

Nature and Wildlife, STEM

Grades 3 - 8

Grow Where You’re Planted: Understanding Plant Hardiness Zones

Farm to Table Kids

3 - 8

1 Hour 5 Minutes

Every region has its own unique climate, and not all plants can grow everywhere! In this activity, students will use the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone map to identify their zone and determine which plants thrive where they live. By exploring plant cards, categorizing crops, and creating personalized garden plans, students will understand why it’s essential to “grow where you’re planted.”

This activity is 1 of 4 in the "Things to Know Before You Grow" module from Farm to Table Kids. Visit the module to view the full set of learning resource and learn more about Part 2 of the module series, "How to Grow Dahlias."

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Grow Where You’re Planted: Understanding Plant Hardiness Zones

Nature and Wildlife, STEM

Grades 3 - 8

Prep, Plant, Bloom! How to Plant a Dahlia Tuber

Nature and Wildlife, STEM

Grades 3 - 8

Prep, Plant, Bloom! How to Plant a Dahlia Tuber

Farm to Table Kids

3 - 8

1 Hour 30 Minutes

Let’s dig in! After checking for healthy tubers and learning how they work, it's time to plant! This hands-on lesson will teach students how to properly prep and plant their dahlia tubers. From prepping garden beds to placing the tubers at the proper depth, students will experience the joy and responsibility of kickstarting the growing season. They will also learn why placement, spacing, and soil health are essential for producing strong, beautiful blooms.

This activity is 2 of 5 in the "How to Grow Dahlias" module from Farm to Table Kids. Visit the module to view the full set of learning resource and learn more about Part 1 of the module series, "Things to Know Before You Grow."

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Prep, Plant, Bloom! How to Plant a Dahlia Tuber

Nature and Wildlife, STEM

Grades 3 - 8

Featured in These Collections

4 Activities

•

Grades 3 - 8

Things to Know Before You Grow

STEM, Social and Emotional Awareness, Nature and Wildlife

Module

Things to Know Before You Grow

3 - 8

4 Hours 55 Minutes

The Ultimate Garden Planning Toolkit for Curious Kids & Inspired Educators

Before you plant your first seed, there are a few essential things every gardener should know—and this module delivers them in the most hands-on, kid-friendly way possible. In “Things to Know Before You Grow,” students explore the fundamentals of garden success: how to read a plant hardiness zone map, understand frost dates, calculate seed starting schedules, and document their observations like real scientists. This four-lesson collection is packed with interactive worksheets, educator-friendly slides, and real-life garden planning tools that help youth think critically and connect deeply with the rhythms of nature.

Designed by Farmer Steph and the team at Farm to Table Kids, this module brings the garden to life in your classroom or afterschool program. It also features exclusive “how-to” videos from Farmer Steph, offering step-by-step support and encouragement straight from the garden. These videos give learners a direct connection to the seasonal cycles they’re studying—setting the stage for confident, climate-smart planting.

Once you've soaked up all the "Things to Know Before You Grow," don’t stop there! Continue the adventure with our partner collection: “How to Grow Dahlias”—a joyful, flower-filled deep dive into one of the most beloved and magical plants in the garden.

Discover Collection

Things to Know Before You Grow

STEM, Social and Emotional Awareness, Nature and Wildlife

4 Activities

•

Grades 3 - 8

Module

5 Activities

•

Grades 3 - 8

How to Grow Dahlias

STEM, Nature and Wildlife

Module

How to Grow Dahlias

3 - 8

6 Hours 50 Minutes

“How to Grow Dahlias: A Full-Season Garden Guide”

Once your learners know “Things to Know Before You Grow,” it’s time to dig into the garden and get their hands dirty with one of the most beloved and magical plants of all—dahlias! In this joyful, in-depth module, youth follow the full life cycle of a dahlia, from inspecting tubers in spring to harvesting show-stopping blooms, and finally saving those tubers for next season’s magic. Along the way, they’ll learn how to identify healthy tubers, prep and plant with confidence, care for their plants organically, and participate in the fall tradition of cutting back, dividing, and overwintering their garden’s gold.

The “How to Grow Dahlias” collection includes five hands-on lessons and a library of interactive worksheets, journal pages, and planting-day checklists—plus several engaging “how-to” videos from Farmer Steph herself. Whether you’re growing dahlias in a schoolyard bed or in containers on a sunny windowsill, this module turns your classroom into a bloom-filled lab where kids learn to nurture life, track seasonal change, and celebrate every stage of the growing cycle.

By the end of this series, students won’t just grow flowers—they’ll grow confidence, observation skills, and a lifelong appreciation for the natural beauty they helped bring to life.

Discover Collection

How to Grow Dahlias

STEM, Nature and Wildlife

5 Activities

•

Grades 3 - 8

Module