HOW TO START A SCHOOL GARDEN PROGRAM

Empowering environmental advocate one step at a time.

An instructional how-to guide on starting a gardening program for local schools.  

PROGRAM INITIATION

PROGRAM PROPOSAL

SCHOOL GARDEN INSTALLATION

GARDEN MAINTENANCE

Whether your mission is to promote environmental sustainability, improve community well-being, or target food insecurity, we’re here to empower you. 

SCHOOL GARDEN PROJECT PLAN

INITIATION

SCHOOL GARDEN

PROGRAM INITIATION

Initiating Plans & Research

Forming a School Garden Committee

Identifying Required Resources

Locating Free Resources

Creating Curricular and Gardening Activities

PLANNING

CREATING THE

PROGRAM PROPOSAL

Securing Funding and Sponsorship

Community Outreach & Fundraising

Determining Garden Type

EXECUTION

INSTALLING THE

SCHOOL GARDEN

Garden Planning

Designing the School Garden

Plant Selection

Garden Safety

Garden Maintenance

CLOSING

PERFORMANCE AND CONTROL

Measuring Performance

Effort and Cost Tracking

Quality Deliverables

INITIATION

SCHOOL GARDEN PROGRAM INITIATION

School gardens are an innovative teaching tool that offers educators the ability to incorporate hands-on activities across multiple areas. 

OBJECTIVES OF A SCHOOL GARDEN

  • Providing opportunities for hands-on training, observation, and experimentation across the curriculum
  • Motivating children and their families to grow, prepare, and eat, both fruits and vegetables
  • Promoting physical activity, environmental awareness, and quality outdoor experiences
  • Supplying local organic produce to the students
  • Aesthetically improving the local urban environment

 

CREATING A SCHOOL COMMITTEE 

TEACHERS

Educators keep the program alive

MAINTENANCE STAFF

Custodians can make or break the program. They’re in ‘know’ of resources like storage, tools, and water sources while also being employed year-round.

FOOD SERVICE STAFF

Foodservice staff can not only provide scraps for compost piles but provide guidance in food preparations for nutritional lessons and overall food safety.

PARENTS

Parents often have the necessary connections to funding and supplies

VOLUNTEERS

Volunteers provide depth to the program from professions to labor 

LOCAL MASTER GARDENERS

Master Gardeners have the required knowledge to help build your curriculum

LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT

LOCAL SMALL FARMS

PLANNING

CREATING THE PROGRAM PROPOSAL

EXECUTION

INSTALLING THE SCHOOL GARDEN

CLOSING

PERFORMANCE AND CONTROL

COMMUNITY OUTREACH & FUNDRAISING

Community Outreach Platforms

DIRECT OUTREACH

Word of Mouth

Door to Door

Flyers

PARTNERSHIPS

Neighborhood Groups

Local School Programs

Service Clubs

SOCIAL MEDIA

NextDoor

Facebook

Instagram

ONLINE PRESSENCE

Email Campaigns

Local News Outlets

Resources Required

Funding:

People: Landscapers

Equipment: Gloves, First Aid Kit, Rakes, Pruners, Water Storage, and ..

Other: Garden Storage, Gardening Soil, Plants

Risks

1. Health Risks e.g. allergies, bees

2. Lack of manpower

3. Natural Disasters

4. Pests

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