Garden Benefit: Kids Learning About Root Vegetables

Originally from the state of Guerrero, in Mexico, Candido has been living in the US and in his neighborhood by the Erika J. Glazer Garden for about 20 years. He had come to the US to work construction in 2008, but the recession hit and the jobs dried up. He began selling ice cream from a cart for six months and passed by the garden multiple times. One day Candido entered and asked a woman how to get involved. She told him to leave his name and phone number. She said he'd have to wait some time since the waiting list is long.

In 2010, after a year, Candido finally became a member. He’s seen the garden grow adding more fruit trees and a beautiful sitting area. He’s helped other members build out new garden beds and start new seedlings. They’ve also gotten a beehive a few years ago that helps pollinate the community. One of Candido’s favorite aspects of the garden is that before COVID there were school kids that would come to the garden to learn about different fruits and vegetables. Many of the children don't know what root vegetables are and that they grow underground. They’d never seen them outside of a store.

His dad was a gardener in Mexico, and as a child he learned about plants and how to cultivate corn, beans, and squash. He wanted the same for his children. His son was about 5 when he asked “Dad, where are the radishes we planted? Right there”, Candido said pointing at the plants. His son asked again “Where?” Candido then pointed again and said, “pull them up.” As he did, the look of amazement was just what Candido dreamed of. His son's been excited for harvest time ever since.