GrowWELL Garden
The Poe Center’s GrowWELL Garden programs offer fun, hands-on ways for participants to make connections between edible gardening and nutrition.
Led by garden specialists, participants learn about growing fruits and vegetables, why pollinators matter, how to compost, and the science of plants.
The GrowWELL Garden is a unique outdoor teaching space featuring raised beds of seasonal fruits and vegetables, a pollinator garden, compost station, and educational mural. The garden has stadium-style benches, is enclosed by a safety fence, and can safely accommodate a maximum of 25 participants at one time. Larger groups will need to be divided.
Garden development programs are available to assist groups with designing, planting, and maintaining their own gardens for community and educational use.
Select programs may be offered at your location or online. See program details below.
Religious protections for USDA program beneficiaries | Nondiscrimination Statement / Aviso de No Discriminación
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Garden Planting Event
Schedule this program for: Preschool, Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, 6th Grade, 7th Grade, 8th Grade, 9th Grade, 10th Grade, 11th Grade, 12th Grade, Adults, Senior Adults (60+),
Turn gardening into a festive event with the Poe Center. Garden specialists provide all the tools needed, including fruit and vegetable transplants, seeds, rich compost, and plant labels—enough for four 8’x4’ raised beds.
Planting beds, containers, or garden areas should be prepped in advance (filled with soil, weeded, and loosened) to ensure a productive and hands-on experience. Crop requests are accommodated based on availability, and educational content is tailored to suit the unique needs and age range of each group.
Program Occupancy: Maximum 30 participants per event. Program Location: Available onsite at your location between mid-April through May and mid-September through October. Program Length: 60 minutes -
Bug Safari
Schedule this program for: Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade,
Participants will be introduced to the wide variety of both helpful and harmful bugs that exist within the GrowWELL Garden. Using seasonal safari guides, participants will work in pairs or small groups to build communication and discovery skills. Through this lesson, participants will begin to understand stewardship. It is our responsibility to care for the plants – and that includes bugs! At the same time it is important to be able to identify bugs that are helping the garden by spreading pollen, or hurting the garden by eating the leaves, and how to deal with them. Maximum 25 participants per program.
Program Location: Only Available onsite (at Poe) between Spring to Late Summer.Program Length: 30–45 minutesMeets NC DPI Science Essential Standards:- Kindergarten
- PS.K.2: Understand the positions and motions of objects and organisms observed in the environment.
- LS.K.1: Understand the characteristics of living organisms and nonliving things.
- First Grade
- LS.1.1: Understand the basic needs of a variety of plants and animals in different ecosystems.
- Second Grade
- LS.2.1: Understand animal life cycles.
- Fourth Grade
- LS.4.1: Understand the effects of environmental changes, adaptations, and behaviors that enable organisms to survive in changing habitats.
- Fifth Grade
- LS.5.2: Understand the interdependence of plants and animals within their ecosystem.
- Kindergarten
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Exploring the Garden Seasons
Schedule this program for: Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade,
The seasons of the year offer different opportunities to grow produce in different parts of the country. Fruits and vegetables often taste better when they are in season. As a gardener or farmer, it’s important to know what grows in our region and what can or cannot be grown at different times of the year. Participants will be introduced to regional, North Carolina seasonal produce using hands-on learning techniques. Participants will explore the seasons and organization of the garden mural, and engage with the GrowWELL seasonal garden. Maximum 25 participants per program.
Program Location: Only Available onsite (at Poe) between October-November/late April-July.Program Length: 35-45 minutesMeets NC DPI Science Essential Standards:-
- Kindergarten
- ESS.K.1: Understand change and observable patterns of weather that occur from day to day and throughout the year.
- First Grade
- LS.1.1: Understand the basic needs of a variety of plants and animals in different ecosystems.
- Second Grade
- ESS.2.1: Understand animal life cycles.
- Third Grade
- LS.3.2: Understand how plant structures aid in survival.
- Fourth Grade
- LS.4.1: Understand the effects of environmental changes, adaptations, and behaviors that enable organisms to survive in changing habitats.
- Fifth Grade
- ESS.5.1: Understand how Earth systems (hydrosphere and atmosphere) impact patterns of weather and climate.
- LS.5.2: Understand the interdependence of plants and animals within their ecosystem.
- Kindergarten
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Plant Parts Detectives
Schedule this program for: Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade,
Participants will be introduced to plant anatomy (parts) and what plants need for successful growth. The online field trip will begin with an interactive lesson introducing scientific plant vocabulary, followed by an at home, hands on experiment where participants will engage with fruits and veggies, and conclude with a GrowWELL garden virtual experience where a garden educator will lead a plant part discovery session. This class is an interactive experience, as participants will actively engage with some fruits and veggies. Program Location: Online or Offsite (at your location)
Program Length: 45 minutes (K-2nd Grade), 45-60 minutes (3rd-5th Grade)Meets NC DPI Science Essential Standards:-
- First Grade
- LS.1.1: Understand the basic needs of a variety of plants and animals in different ecosystems.
- Third Grade
- LS.3.2: Understand how plant structures aid in survival.
- Fourth Grade
- LS.4.1: Understand the effects of environmental changes, adaptations, and behaviors that enable organisms to survive in changing habitats.
- Fifth Grade
- LS.5.2: Understand the interdependence of plants and animals within their ecosystem.
- First Grade
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Plant Patrol
Schedule this program for: Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade,
Participants will be introduced to plant anatomy (parts) and what plants need for successful growth, as well as getting to explore the seasonal plants and their parts within the GrowWELL Garden. We will introduce scientific plant vocabulary, learn about the seed germination process, the importance of environmental stewardship, and – if time permits – sample different plant parts. This class is an interactive experience, as participants will actively engage with the plants and have an opportunity to work in pairs or small groups to build communication and discovery skills.
Maximum 25 participants per program. Program Location: Only Available onsite (at Poe) between October-November/late April-July. Program Length: 45-60 minutes Meets NC DPI Science Essential Standards:-
- First Grade
- ESS.1.2: Understand the physical properties of Earth materials.
- LS.1.1: Understand the basic needs of a variety of plants and animals in different ecosystems.
- First Grade
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Bees Please
Schedule this program for: 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, 6th Grade,
Participants will learn the process of pollination, the diversity of pollinators, and the foods specifically pollinated by bees during this lesson. As a keystone species, bees play an integral role in human food security through pollination. An interactive pollination activity where students become “bees” will help reveal the importance of bees, the challenges they face, and how we can help protect bees. Participants will have the opportunity to work in pairs or small groups to build communication and discovery skills within the GrowWELL Garden. Maximum 25 participants per program.
Program Location: Only Available onsite (at Poe) between Spring to Late Summer.Program Length: 45–60 minutesMeets NC DPI Science Essential Standards:-
- Third Grade
- LS.3.2: Understand how plant structures aid in survival.
- Fourth Grade
- LS.4.1: Understand the effects of environmental changes, adaptations, and behaviors that enable organisms to survive in changing habitats.
- Fifth Grade
- LS.5.2: Understand the interdependence of plants and animals within their ecosystem.
- Sixth Grade
- LS.6.1: Understand the structures, processes, and behaviors of plants that enable them to survive and reproduce.
- Third Grade
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Botanist for a Day
Schedule this program for: 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, 6th Grade, 7th Grade, 8th Grade,
Participants learn in depth plant anatomy and what plants need for successful growth. They also have the opportunity to explore the seasonal plants and their parts within the GrowWELL Garden. Scientific plant vocabulary, the seed germination process, and the importance of our natural environment are also discussed. If time permits, participants may also sample different plant parts. Participants actively engage with the plants and have an opportunity to work in pairs or small groups to build communication and discovery skills. Maximum 25 participants per program. Program Location: Only Available onsite (at Poe) between October-November/late April-July.
Program Length: 60 minutesMeets NC DPI Science Essential Standards:-
- Third Grade
- LS.3.2: Understand how plant structures aid in survival.
- Fourth Grade
- LS.4.1: Understand the effects of environmental changes, adaptations, and behaviors that enable organisms to survive in changing habitats.
- Fifth Grade
- LS.5.2: Understand the interdependence of plants and animals within their ecosystem.
- Sixth Grade
- LS.6.1: Understand the structures, processes, and behaviors of plants that enable them to survive and reproduce.
- LS.6.2: Understand the flow of energy through ecosystems and the responses of populations to the biotic and abiotic factors in their environment.
- Eighth Grade
- LS.8.2: Understand how organisms interact with and respond to the biotic and abiotic factors in their environment.
- Third Grade
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Eat the Rainbow
Schedule this program for: 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, 6th Grade, 7th Grade, 8th Grade,
Participants will learn how fruits and vegetables provide varied nutrients for our bodies. Additionally, they will discover how each color relates to a different nutritional benefit using the scientific concept of phytonutrients (pigments responsible for the color of fruits and vegetables) and how this concept connects to their broader lives. This is an interactive experience, as participants will engage with plants in the garden and work in pairs through a series of group learning activities. Maximum 25 participants per program. Program Location: Only Available onsite (at Poe) between October-November/late April-July.
Program Length: 35–45 MinutesMeets NC DPI Science Essential Standards:-
- Third Grade
- LS.3.2: Understand how plant structures aid in survival.
- Fifth Grade
- LS.5.2: Understand the interdependence of plants and animals within their ecosystem.
- Sixth Grade
- LS.6.1: Understand the structures, processes, and behaviors of plants that enable them to survive and reproduce.
- LS.6.2: Understand the flow of energy through ecosystems and the responses of populations to the biotic and abiotic factors in their environment.
- Eighth Grade
- LS.8.2: Understand how organisms interact with and respond to the biotic and abiotic factors in their environment.
- Third Grade
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Garden Planning Consultation
Schedule this program for: Adults, Educators/Professionals, Senior Adults (60+),
Starting a garden doesn’t have to be intimidating. The Poe Center’s garden specialists are available to help childcare centers, senior centers, and community centers plan new gardens or elevate existing ones. Gardens bring people together while boosting well-being—reducing stress, anxiety, and body mass index, and encouraging healthier eating habits (Soga et al., Preventive Medicine Reports, 2016).
Consultations include a site assessment, guidance on optimal garden layout, and seasonal planting and care tips. Small-scale (about 4-8 raised beds) edible and pollinator gardens with a near-by water source are our specialty.
Available November - March, June - August
Program Location: Available at your location. Program Length: 60 minutes -
Gardening 101
Schedule this program for: Adults, Educators/Professionals, Senior Adults (60+),
Not sure where to start with gardening? Gardening 101 introduces participants to the basics of edible gardening in a fun interactive way. Participants learn the fundamentals of gardening - from getting started to harvesting to using produce in the kitchen.
Through hands-on activities, participants are invited to smell, move, discuss, and begin planning their garden with guidance from the Poe Center’s garden specialists. This session is ideal for schools, senior centers, and community groups looking to spark interest in gardening or refresh planting knowledge in preparation for an onsite garden. Topics include:
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- Benefits of gardening
- Choosing a garden location
- Steps to get started
- Planting strategies
- Seasonal crop selection
- Recommended tools
- Maintenance and harvesting tips
Program Occupancy: Maximum 50 participants per program.
Program Location: Available at your location.
Program Length: 60 minutes
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Teaching with Your School Garden
Schedule this program for: Adults, Educators/Professionals,
Did you know your school garden is good for more than an occasional snack? “Teaching with Your School Garden” helps educators unlock the full potential of their school gardens. Designed for Pre K - 5th grade teachers, this program provides practical guidance for planning an edible teaching garden and using it as a teaching tool. Topics include:
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- Effective layout and crop selections
- Tips on gardening with kids
- Incorporating the garden into S.T.E.A.M (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) lessons
- Literacy approaches in the garden
- Resources for garden lessons
Program Occupancy: Maximum 50 participants per program.
Program Location: Available at your location.
Program Length: 60 minutes
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