IFAS Extension
Introduction
With demands for more instructional time in the classroom, teachers have less time to dedicate toward coordinating the school garden and, as a result, require support mechanisms. When surveyed, gardening teachers with adequate support were more enthusiastic about the potential of school gardens than teachers who did not garden or lacked support (Graham & Zidenberg-Cherr, 2005). Extension agents serve as a valuable resource in providing teachers with in-service training and technical education to increase their ability to effectively use gardening as an instructional tool. There are numerous variables that directly affect the success and sustainability of a school garden. Barriers include complexity of school gardens, proficiencies with Florida-specific gardening, and availability of resources and knowledge about garden management. As teachers are already overextended with existing responsibilities, it is important to streamline the process of finding school garden resources. Extension agents can bridge these barriers by assisting in the procurement of appropriate resources, fostering collaborative opportunities, and providing education and technical support. Extension's vision is to foster enthusiasm among teachers for school garden programs by removing the barriers that impede the use of the school garden as an instructional tool.
This document provides an outline of important resources to help in the development and sustainability of a school garden program. Resource categories include Extension support, garden planning, curricula, and funding.
Extension Support Resources
There are a diverse set of Extension agents that can provide support to your school garden program. The support can range from supplemental education to technical assistance. Table 1 describes the types of available assistance from UF/IFAS Extension faculty and staff.
Table 1. Types of Extension resources available to teachers.
Garden Planning
Planning a garden is a difficult task. Understanding how to get started provides a solid foundation for a sustainable school garden program. The resources below will help to inform and guide the planning efforts for various school garden programs (Table 2).
Table 2. Guides for garden program planning.
Curriculum
School gardening engages students by providing inquiry-based and experiential learning. School gardens serve as a valuable educational tool in science, math, English, reading, art, music, and social studies. Table 3 outlines curricula to promote garden-based educational activities that address a variety of standards.
Table 3. Curricula resources for garden-based experiential activities.
Funding
While lack of funds is often sighted as a barrier to school garden programs, there are in fact several grant opportunities available. There are a range of opportunities that provide financial resources for garden materials, education, and other supplies. Table 4 outlines some of the opportunities that can be leveraged for a school garden program.
Table 4. Grant opportunities that support school gardens.
|
Funding Organization |
Description |
Website |
|---|---|---|
|
Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) Splash Grant |
Provides up to $3,000 per school to enhance student knowledge of water resource issues. | |
|
Florida Ag in the Classroom |
Teachers are eligible to apply for $500 mini grants, which are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. | |
|
Whole Kids Foundation |
The school garden grant provides $3,000 to support a new or existing edible garden on campus. | |
|
Bonnie Plants |
Third grade teachers can register to receive free cabbage transplants. | |
|
Fiskars Project Orange Thumb |
The grant provides tools and resources to help communities reach their goals for collaboration, neighborhood beautification, and healthy, sustainable food sources. | |
|
Scott's Miracle Gro Grants |
The grant provides up to $1,500 for community garden projects, including school gardens. | |
|
Lowe's Small Toolbox for Education |
The Lowe's Small Toolbox for Education grant provides up to $5,000. | |
|
The Donald Samull Classroom Herb Garden Grant |
Public and/or private 3rd through 6th grade teachers, with classes of a minimum of fifteen (15) students may apply for a $200 herb garden grant. | |
|
Seeds of Change |
To have your organization considered for this program, you must first apply. The award process includes a public voting forum. | |
|
American Academy of Dermatology |
Grants up to $8,000 are available to public schools for installing permanent shade structures for outdoor locations that are not protected from the sun. |
Reference
Graham, H., & Zidenberg-Cherr, S. (2005). California teachers perceive school gardens as an effective nutritional tool to promote healthful eating habits. Journal of the American Dietetic Association, 105(11), 1797–1800. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jada.2005.08.034
