Now that the plants are in the ground it is time to turn your thoughts and energy to making sure they thrive. They will need water, fertilizer, and space to grow. With training, students can be responsible for most of the maintenance tasks: weeding, feeding, thinning, watering, adding mulch, and pruning. These activities will assure that the plants have a favorable environment to grow and mature. Careful supervision during the training process will help the students assume an ownership role and give them pride in their garden and in its appearance. You can add to their reward by recognizing the “Garden of the Week”, or by noting who pulled the biggest weed. Harvesting will be its own reward!