School garden considerations

Things to consider before starting a school garden

Site selection

  • amount of sunlight needed
  • soil characteristics
  • lot debris
  • drainage
  • protection from damaging winds
  • accessibility-people, water, wildlife, garden materials

    Garden design

  • safety
  • yearly maintenance
  • structures for storage, composting, group gatherings
  • type of materials needed
  • cost effectiveness
  • pathways and garden plot size
  • convenience for teachers and students
  • amount of space needed and its use
  • irrigation-type water system
  • space for expansion
  • fencing, water ponds and open space
  • Annuals, perennial, shrubs and trees

    Organizing people

  • role of students in garden projects
  • parents, teachers, administrators, and volunteers
  • workdays and job distribution scheduling
  • communication, information and education
  • organizational structure, responsibilities
  • garden leader and advisory committees

    Site preparation

  • clean lot-remove trash, rocks, etc.
  • prepare soil
  • mark pathways and garden plots
  • construct beds
  • lay water system
  • fill pathways
  • build compost bin
  • open for planting

    Composting

  • organic matter
  • maintenance
  • utilizing compost
  • organisms and wildlife

    Garden Care

  • watering, weeding, soil improvements
  • summer break
  • covercrops
  • protecting plants
  • mulching
  • clean-up
  • planting

    Tools, Equipment and Structures

  • trellis, arbors, fencing
  • garden tools, tool shed and tillers
  • buckets, sprayers, water hose

    Resources

  • financial support for construction, maintenance
  • seeds and transplants
  • educational materials
  • tools and equipment
  • organic materials, fertilizer, insect control

    Liability

  • physical hazards for students and visitors
  • lighting
  • fencing

    Schoolyard Ecosystems and Habitat

  • flora and fauna
  • fountains, pools, birdhouses and feeders

    Theft and Vandalism

  • accessibility ,light, fencing

    Produce

  • utilization of produce
  • source for fund raising
  • health and nutrition

    Use of Fertilizers and Pesticides

  • safe products
  • environmental effects
  • organic methodology

    Compiled by Will Green