School gardens are starting to pop up everywhere. My friend Lola told me that her kids’ school has a garden that is a regular part of science class. They even sell fresh produce, instead of bake sales, to raise money for the middle school science camp. Pretty awesome, eh? I could get behind school gardens purely on the lessons a garden can teach {life cycles, seasons, attaining zen, etc.}. According to an article I found on NPR, school gardens also correlate with healthier eaters, happier teachers, and more engaged students. I guess we already knew a garden had that kind of power, though, didn’t we ;)?
According to the article, organizations like City Blossoms and REAL School Gardens team up with schools to help fund the installation and maintenance of school gardens. Students take their turn working in and cultivating the gardens.
Some schools even sell their produce at local farmer’s markets. In areas that have little to no access to fresh foods {and lots of access to convenience stores and liquor stores}, the kids get a chance to sample produce they might’ve otherwise never come across.
I am sure you can guess that I think the whole concept is pretty rad. Even if your area doesn’t have access to one of organizations, you could always ask the PTA to sponsor a school garden, and have maybe one less school dance or skate night? How amazing would it be if every kid knew where food came from?
Does your kids’ school have a school garden? If not, would you like to see one?
~Mavis
Jenny says
Our school has one but it is a butterfly garden out on the playground. The younger classes have been a part of a monarch butterfly counting program. I think the state DNR helped them set up the garden to be a butterfly sanctuary.
jenny says
I was actually surprised that my son’s elementary school doesn’t have one, being that we are a semi-rural area! We started our own garden at our house this year and my boys (6 and 2) have loved it and have tried new veggies since they grew it themselves! I think that every school should have one! It teaches them such great things and I would take a veggie sale over a bake sale any day!!
Monica says
I think it is a great idea and that all schools should have them. I have noticed a trend of more schools having them, however they seem to only be at elementary level schools. I think it is something that they should not only have at those ages but at each school level as well. Having it continuously throughout the child’s school years would provide a greater impact and influence on them into adulthood.
Tammy says
Our school does…because we homeschool. 😉
Ever since I have been a parent I have made it a point to not only grow, but also pick, as much of our food as possible. I want my daughter to have a strong connection with food and how it is grown.
Jane says
Us, too, Tammy! 🙂
Julie Joyce says
Our kids’ school does! The kids get to garden, eat what they grow, AND they sell the produce at a local corner market once a month.
Mavis says
They get to sell it? That’s so awesome!
Betsy A. says
Our school has a large garden. We have a farm to school food program in which the schools are required to get some produce from farmers in our state. Last year our garden had so many carrots, we were able to sell the excess to another school! They grow tomatoes, potatoes, peppers, and cucumbers. It helps that we are in a rural location on several acres of land.
Our school also has a butterfly garden.
Lisa Millar says
My high school had a farm! A small one, since it is in the middle of a small rural city (Well I assume it is still there)
Agriculture was a subject offered. The younger classes all did a stint and had their own vegetable plots, the older students raise and show animals (cows sheep etc)
It really was fantastic.
A lot of schools around here have gardens/farms for the kids to work in and learn about. Great way to start things going! (And its always a good place to donate those million strawberry runners that you have no more room for! lol)
Donna Wilson says
My local Master Gardener Association supports two schools with vegetable gardens. The kids get to plant and harvest the produce and they work with cafeteria to prepare what they have grown. Of course, they also learn more in class. Although this is at the elementary schools, our Master Gardeners are so please to help educate a segment of our community (education is part of our mission).
Our high school has a greenhouse where they plant seeds. By the time the community is ready to garden they have plants available for sale. it’s a wonderful program for everyone!
Heidi Jungwirth says
Hi Mavis, I am involved in school gardens here on central Vancouver Island, and we have just started a Facebook group that is intended to be all about school gardens. It’s called “Talking about school gardens” and we welcome anyone who is interested in school gardens to join.
Marybeth says
Our middle school started one last year. It has been fun. It is through a garden club. That way only kids that want to be there are. They are hoping to add another area this year. The kids in the club got to take the produce home. Any extras were offered to families in need. The 2 teachers running it are hopeful in the future it can grow much bigger and that some of the food can be used at lunch time.
Colleen says
Ours has more than a garden – they have a farm. which the kids HAVE to work on. Proceeds from the CSA boxes go back to the school.
Trying not to think of it as “slave labor”…
Stephanie B says
I bought my veggie starts from the local high school, and they’ve all produced well this summer! Last year they did a weekly farmer’s market, but I was dispatch they didn’t do it this year, not sure why.
Mindy says
Our school has a garden. Coolest thing ever. Here’s our Facebook page. 😉 https://m.facebook.com/VestalCommunityGarden