CHAPTER 5
Setting School Gardens Up for Success
School gardens can be a vibrant component of a larger living schoolyard and can often be a school’s first foray into greening efforts and outdoor learning. These dynamic spaces support greater student engagement in a wide range of activities, increased opportunity for self-directed and experiential learning, the use of free onsite natural teaching resources — such as trees, birds, insects, and flowers — and, especially in a pandemic, a spacious open-air classroom for teaching and learning.
© paige green, Education Outside
School Gardens — Getting Started
School gardens have been supporting outdoor learning for many years. Part 1 of this article provides tips for getting started, initial planning, and ongoing maintenance. Click here for Part 1.
© paige green, Education Outside
School Gardens — Design and Teaching
School gardens have been supporting outdoor learning for many years. Part 2 of this article provides design ideas, tips for getting and growing plants, and a review of teaching in the space. Click here for Part 2.
© paige green, Education Outside
Supplies and Storage for Outdoor Teaching
After setting up seating and shelter for an outdoor classroom, it is important to consider what teaching supplies are needed and how to store them conveniently. This article provides ideas and inspiration.
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Making Paved Spaces Comfortable
Wondering how to make a paved schoolyard comfortable and inviting? This article offers strategies to add softness and color with art, container gardens, outdoor rugs, and more.
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Using Raised Beds
Schools do not have to have direct access to unpaved land to add plants and gardens to their grounds. Raised beds will let you put the plants exactly where they are needed.
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Regenerative Gardening Practices
Soil building techniques add fertility to school gardens and help improve plant growth and health without chemical additives. Read about simple practices students can engage in to build soil health and learn about ecology.
Living Schoolyard Activity Guide US Edition
The chapter on schoolyard agriculture, on pages 83-97, explains how starting a school garden is one way to reconnect students and school communities with local agriculture and ecological systems. It features examples from around the United States.
International School Grounds Month Activity Guide
The chapter on schoolyard agriculture, on pages 75-87, explains how creating school gardens is to create new, vibrant, hands-on learning environments. It features examples from around the world!
National Outdoor Learning Library
The National Outdoor Learning Library is an expansive set of resources for schools and districts created by the National COVID-19 Outdoor Learning Initiative, which was founded in 2020 by Green Schoolyards America, The Lawrence Hall of Science, San Mateo County Office of Education, and Ten Strands. With the help of current partners, Green Schoolyards America is continuing to expand the library’s collection to support equitable access to outdoor learning and living schoolyards beyond the pandemic.
