Harvest Garden050

The Chicago Park District has the perfect program for little garden enthusiasts. Each May, Harvest Garden kicks off its spring session at 15 parks across Chicago.

Harvest Garden teaches children how to start an organic garden and keep it growing, how to harvest and use the produce, and then how to "put the garden to bed" for the winter. Participants can prepare foods that they grow and participate in a variety of activities related to their gardens - including crafts, music, and cooking.

The Harvest Garden's five week spring session runs May 4 - June 5, 2010. The after-school program is in session from 3pm-5pm. An eight-week summer session and a five-week fall session are also offered.

Participating parks include:
~ Abbott Park, 49 E. 95th Street (312.747.6001)
~ Amundsen Park, 6200 W. Bloomingdale Avenue (312.746.5003)
~ Anderson Park, 3748 S. Prairie Avenue (312.747.6007)
~ Clark (John S.) Playground Park, 4615 W. Jackson Blvd. (773.287.7794)
~ Columbus Park, 500 S. Central Avenue (773.287.7641)
~ Cooper Park, 1323 W. 117th Street (312.747.6096)
~ Ken-Well Park, 2945 N. Kenosha Avenue (773.685.3348)
~ Kilbourn Park, 3501 N. Kilbourn Avenue (773.685.3359)
~ Lindblom Park, 6054 S. Damen Avenue (312.747.6443)
~ Mann Park, 13000 S. Carondolet Avenue (773.646.0210)
~ Minuteman Park, 5940 S. Central Avenue (773.284.0214)
~ Moore Park, 5085 W. Adams Street (773.287.0561)
~ Moran Park, 5727 S. Racine Avenue (312.747.6560)
~ Union Park, 1501 W. Randolph Street (312.746.5494)
~ Washington Park, 5531 S. Martin Luther King Drive (773.256.1248)

During the summer session, Harvest Garden participants exhibit their produce, compete for prizes and participate in county fair-themed activities at the Harvest Garden Festival, scheduled for August 5, 2010.

Families can register for Harvest Garden by calling the local parks listed above. Registration is ongoing until filled. Costs vary by park and range from free to $5 per student.