Planting a Pizza Garden---A Great Family Project

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

27 Jun 2006 11:36 AM

As part of my plan to make the most of the long awaited, much anticipated warm temperatures that befall Wisconsin for three short months (okay, two) each summer, I signed my daughter up for gardening classes at our local botanical garden. (Actually, it was a two-day "Kids & Gardens" seminar.) She had a wonderful time and I left with some great kid-friendly gardening ideas. My favorite: "How to Plant a Pizza Garden."

Let's face it; even if your kids are picky eaters, pizza, is likely a menu option they won't say no to. Planting a pizza garden allows you to teach your children that pizzas don't grow in the freezer. Rather, you can use the dirt in your own backyard to grow and harvest ingredients to make your own toppings and sauces. The project is enjoyable, educational, one the whole family can get involved in, and the best part... it doesn't require a large amount of yard space to create.

Did I mention that this garden is even shaped like a pizza? Which means that you need to find a flat area in your yard. Next, mark off a circle. (You can do this by inserting a stake in the ground, attaching a string to it, walking around in a circle and marking the ground to create a border.) Once you decide how large you want to make your garden (this depends on how many "pizza ingredients" you want to grow... the woman running our seminar suggested that we grow at least three vegetables and three herbs), divide the circle into six equal wedges.

Wedge One-Oregano

In this wedge plant 2 or 3 oregano plants. Oregano is a perennial herb that gives pizza its wonderful smell... and taste. It may be used fresh or dried.

Wedge Two---Parsley

In this wedge plant 2 or 3 parsley plants. Parsley is a biennial herb that reseeds itself. It is also a great addition to pizza.

Wedge Three---Basil

Plant 2 or 3 plants in this wedge. Basil is an annual herb and there are several different varieties. For pizza gardens, sweet basil is highly recommended.

Wedge Four---Onions

You can select a variety of onions (red, white or yellow), which can be planted from seeds or sets. You can plant up to 30 onion sets in your garden. By doing so you will not only have onions for your pizza, but also for a nice salad, pasta, or a hamburger.

Wedge Five--Peppers

Plant 1 or 2 pepper plants in this wedge of your pizza garden. Experts recommend planting green peppers or any type of sweet bell pepper (orange or red). However, if you like your pizza hot and spicy you could also plant a variety of hot peppers.

Wedge Six---Tomatoes

In this final wedge of your pizza garden, plant 2 tomato plants. A paste tomato variety, such as Roma, is recommended. Romas are small, oblong tomatoes with a thick meaty flesh.

These are just basic suggestions. There are many other plants and herbs that you could add to your garden, including purple "Masquerade" peppers, rosemary, and onion chives. Be as creative as you like. Remember, the point of the garden is to design an area for your children to learn about plants and herbs, have fun getting their hands dirty, and to enjoy the fruits of their labor.

***Check back for other tips regarding Kids and Gardening. I picked up a lot of great ideas from our gardening workshop and am eager to share them with you.***

Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

View Full Profile | More from this Blogger

Libby Pelham (12871) 27 Jun 2006 12:51 PM

This is such a cute idea! Of course, for my husband's taste, I'd have to grow pepperoni :-)

Michele Cheplic (37339) 28 Jun 2006 11:48 AM

Thanks Libby--I'll have to work on that in my next blog! Ironically, when we were in the class and the teacher was talking about the ingredients, I sat there thinking "onions"...hmmm don't like those..."peppers".....don't like those either. What about pepperoni and olives???