Creating a School Garden

Many children do not have the opportunity to experience gardening or nature in a learning atmosphere. Teaching children how to be good stewards of our natural resources is of vital importance. A good school garden program can be a wonderful asset for students, teachers and volunteers, but it should not be started without careful planning.

Steps for Starting a School Garden

Form a Garden Committee after answering the following questions:

• Is there interest in starting a school garden?
• Are there teachers willing to lead the program and develop curriculum? Ongoing Science Department participation is critical.
• Is there community interest?
• Do you have volunteers?
• Will parents participate?
• Will this be an after school program, during school program or both?
• What is the school’s goal for the program?
• What percentage of the school population will be affected by the garden?
• HOW WILL THE PROGRAM BE SUSTAINED?

Before you design your garden be sure you are familiar with what's allowed.

• Get Principal Approval
• Notify School District Maintenance
• Get District Grounds Approval
• City Fees & Permits?
• Create a Funding Plan – view possible funding assistance sources
• Accessibility - Americans with Disabilities Act Compliance

Select a site for your school garden.  Here are some things to consider:

• Access to Water
• Hours of Sun
• Foot Traffic
• Visibility
• Drainage

Design the Garden – things to consider:

• Water Access Points
• Rows or Raised Beds, Size, Materials (wood, stone, cinder blocks, etc.)
• Tool Storage
• Compost Area
• Fencing
• Shade Structure
• Seating
• Pathways
• Planting Materials and Schedule - Visit our Plants for Collin County page.

Before you get started...a few more things to think about:

• Student Safety Rules
• Call Texas 811 before digging: http://texas811.org/
• Texas public schools are required by Texas law to adhere to the school Integrated Pest Management rules.
• Construction Schedule
• Maintenance Plan (including summer months)

Visit our Youth Education page for a list of additional resources that might be helpful.