Several 3rd grade students planted various types of lettuce in the Helping Hands Garden. They watched the seeds sprout and even covered the sprouts with plastic during the cold fronts. They watered the plants and waited patiently until the plants were ready to be harvested. As the students picked the radishes, they realized that not all of them grew to maturity even after thinning the seedlings. They recognized that some varieties grew in the shape of a ball and some more like a carrot. The students observed that, although they had planted the lettuce to eat, they found that it was also a habitat to many little bugs and caterpillars. The students carefully picked the lettuce and brought it inside. Thanks to Mrs. Herman, our cafeteria manager, sanitized the sinks and allowed us to wash the produce thoroughly. The students realized the work involved in making something "Table ready" was fun but also demanding and meticulous. Finally, the salad was ready for presentation and there was more than enough for every faculty member. The students were amazed at how much lettuce came from 6 packets of seeds. The teachers all commented on how great the salad tasted and thanked the students for their gift of appreciation..