More than 5,200 third graders in 287 Michigan classrooms are discovering the joys of gardening through The Growums Garden Adventure, launched in April on Earth Day. Provided at no cost by WeGrowum, Inc., this seven-week educational program teaches STEAM principles—Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math—through the hands-on experience of growing a garden.

“We’re seeing students light up as they plan, plant and care for their gardens,” says Tom Freeman, CEO of WeGrowum, Inc. “What began with a single Facebook post inviting teachers to participate quickly became a statewide pilot spanning 100 schools.”

Each student also receives a take-home Growums garden kit, extending the learning into homes and families. “This program nurtures more than vegetables,” says Beth Oliver, chief marketing officer. “It cultivates patience, responsibility, imagination and a deeper understanding of food and sustainability.”

The Growums Garden Adventure blends printed lesson plans with digital content featuring animated characters like Zucchini the Great and Duke the Cuke, who guide children through the gardening journey. This fall, the program will expand to classrooms in South Florida, Texas and California.