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New Mexico State University

Sowing Seeds of the Future

Introduction

Generations of Native gardeners from North, Central and South America have saved and grown the seeds of many wild and garden crops. However, many of these wild plants, as well as the garden seeds and crops that were bred from them, are disappearing. It is important to preserve the remaining Native wild plants and garden crops. With every planting of Native seeds, a species is kept alive and the Circle of Life is continued.

Task

You and your partners have been chosen to be part of a team of expert botanists that will help continue the Circle of Life. Your task is to research several varieties of Native Garden crops that will be planted in a Native North American garden. You will focus on the following crops in this WebQuest - corn, squash, beans and chile.

  • Choose one of the crops listed above. Research at least three native varieties of your crop. Answer the following questions:
    1. Is the variety suitable for eating? What flavor does the variety have? In what ways can the variety be prepared?
    2. What is the length of time from planting to harvest?
    3. How hardy is the variety?
    4. What does the variety look like?
    5. When should the variety be planted? How deep and how far apart should the seeds be planted?
    6. How resistant is the variety to pests and diseases?
    7. In what zone does the variety grow? Will it grow in your zone?
    8. How well does the plant stand up to frost, drought and heat?
    9. How is it harvested, cleaned and preserved?
  • Create a presentation of your findings (see Presentation Methods and Ideas for some suggestions). Make your professional recommendations for which varieties to plant in the Native American Garden.

Process

  • Divide into four groups. Each group will become experts on one of these crops:
    1. corn
    2. beans
    3. squash
    4. chile
  • You can work together on the tasks or divide them up among your group.
  • Use the online and off line resources and find information on each variety of your crop.
  • Bookmark or record your findings.
  • Analyze your findings, choose the varieties your team recommends for planting and develop your presentation (see Presentation Methods and Ideas for some suggestions).

Resources

Web sites

General Reference Books and Video

  • Native American Gardening by Michael J. Caduto and Joseph Bruchac
  • Native Seeds Catalog 2509 N. Campbell Ave. #325, Tucson, Arizona, 85719
  • Indian Uses of Native Plants by Edith Allen Murphey
  • Indian Givers by Jack Weatherford
  • Green Gold: From the Maya to the Moon Video by NMSU

Children's Literature

  • Carlos and the Squash Plant by Jan Romero Stevens
  • Three Stalks of Corn by Leo Politi
  • People of the Corn by Mary-Joan Gerson
  • A Taste of Mexico by Linda Illsley

Extended Activities

  • Prepare a seed order and budget for your Native garden.
  • Plan the shape and size of your garden.
  • Harvest seeds from each of the crops in your garden. Preserve them for winter and spring planting.
  • Read Native American legends about the "Three Sisters."
  • Research Native American contributions to today's diet.
  • Make Native Garden crafts.
  • Prepare recipes with crops from your garden.

Evaluation

  • Did you read from a variety of resources?
  • Did you bookmark, take notes, or summarize information you read?
  • Did you contribute to your group's productivity?
  • Did you share your information in different ways, such as writing, speaking, singing, or drawing?

Conclusion

Now that you have completed this WebQuest, your group should have a better idea about the crops planted in a Native American Garden. You should realize the importance of preserving Native seeds so that the Circle of Life will continue for future generations.

This page was written by Denise Lucht and Mary Helen Ratje, Valley View Elementary, Las Cruces, NM.