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HOUGHTON -- They tilled the topsoil and then began making rows.

This morning, 24 students from Mrs. Hall's fourth grade class put their knowledge of the U.P.’s growing season to good use.

"We talked about the fact that we have a really short growing season, so we have to plant fruits and vegetables that have a short period of growing," said Isabella Menzel-Smith.

The students were given three plots to plant in the community garden on Pewabic Street.

It's the fourth year the community has shared their garden with Houghton Elementary students, but the first time for this class.

"From the looks on their faces, I can tell they're having a great time," said Hall.  "This is obviously the first time some of them have had their hands in the soil, so they were enjoying it."

After they put the garden's new irrigation system in place, the students moved to an outside area where they had to rake the dirt and weed with their hands.  There they planted seeds for some larger produce including watermelons and pumpkins.

"I planted some lettuce and I’m really excited to see that grow because now it's just little, and I’m excited to see it get big," said Eva Nemiroff.  "It’s actually making me a little hungry."

The students will be expected to help maintain their garden over the summer.  When they return next fall, they'll get to harvest the vegetables and use them to make a delicious, home-grown lunch.