Encourage students to take advantage of the free resources available at their local library. They may know they can get books, but they may not know that they can check out movies, video games, use the computer, or join community reading programs (many of which have incentives for summer reading).
Like cabbage and cabbage sprouts, Brussels sprouts are a cool weather crop. They should be harvested when the sprouts are small, compact and bright green. Avoid yellowing sprouts with signs of wilt rot or insect damage. Harvest sprouts when they are no larger than 1 to 1 1/2 inches in diameter.
After about 50 to 60 days, beets are ready to harvest. Not only can the roots be dug up and chopped to add flavor to a meal, but the greens of the beets can be harvested periodically and put in salads. Given how well these beets fare in different weather conditions, they can be grown several times in a summer.