Cultivating the Future: School Gardens and Community Growth with Farmer Kim

Dig in on school gardens with Farmer Kim and the Soil Sisters. Kim Aman is the executive director and founder of Grow Garden Grow. From public school teacher to a leader in the school garden movement in Texas, Kim shares insights on the importance of connecting children with agriculture, the benefits of school gardens, and tips for funding and sustaining such programs. The conversation covers the wide-ranging impacts of school gardens on students, teachers, parents, and communities.MEET OUR GUEST: Kim Aman (aka Farmer Kim) is a former public school teacher and a 7th generation farmer, growing the school garden movement in North Texas. She is the Executive Director of Grow Garden Grow with a team that supports over 7,000 students learning and growing in school gardens. Kim founded and is leading the non profit NTx School Garden Network, where they work with educators and administrators to share resources, best practices and connect school garden leaders in the region to grow and strengthen the movement. Additionally, Kim works on the boards of Slow Food DFW, Grow North Texas, local PTA groups and The Organizing College.TIME STAMPS:00:00 Welcome to the Soil Sisters Podcast00:24 Introducing Farmer Kim and Her Journey01:33 The Birth of the School Garden Movement03:38 Challenges and Successes in School Gardens06:34 Expanding the Garden Initiative08:00 Integrating Gardens into Education10:52 Harvesting and Utilizing Garden Produce13:05 High School Programs and Community Impact15:37 Long-term Impact on Students18:09 Resiliency and Problem Solving in the Garden18:30 The Impact of Technology on Learning19:21 The Importance of Physical Books20:43 Engaging Parents Through School Gardens21:40 Children as Agents of Change23:23 The North Texas School Garden Network24:34 Sustaining School Gardens26:33 Training and Resources for School Gardens28:55 Revamping Neglected Gardens29:35 The Role of Principals in School Gardens31:55 The Benefits of School Gardens32:59 Final Thoughts and Appreciation 💚 MEET & SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS 💚✨ Tejas Tonic - The official beverage of the TX Soil Sisters ✨Serving up creative spirits for creative spirits. The hemp for this blissful bevvy is organically farmed in the Texas Hill Country. Enjoy 15% off Tejas Tonic w/ code: SISTERS. | Socialize with @drinktejastonic on IG.⚡️ B&P Electric - The Soil Sisters Podcast is powered by B&P Electric ⚡️Whether you’re building, remodeling, installing low-voltage landscape lighting, or in need of an inspection. B&P is your central Texas electrical contractor. | Socialize with @b_pelectric on IG🔥 FireHawk Bioherbicide - FireHawk is a fast acting, non-selective contact herbicide that controls many common broadleaf and grassy weeds.From gardens and homesteads to vineyards and regenerative farms, FireHawk can be used for careful spot treatments around crops, landscapes, and non crop areas. And now FireHawk is available in super concentrate giving growers flexible high performance weed control that mixes easily with water. Learn more at firehawkbioherbicide.com and use code: soilsisters15 to save 15% on your purchase.---------------------------------Engage with TX Soil Sisters on IG: @soilsisterspodcast and on X: @TXSoilSistersSubmit Guest or Show Ideas and Sponsorship Inquiries: txsoilsisters.co Ways to Support The Soil Sisters PodcastIf you enjoyed this conversation, please subscribe, leave a review, and share the episode with a friend interested in regenerative agriculture, ranching, local food systems, or starting their own farm journey.Your support helps us continue bringing real stories and practical lessons from the people regenerating land and communities across the country. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.