Creating a safe and healthy edible school garden
![]() |
CA Poppy. |
Be sure to review the California Department of Education School Garden Safety guide before beginning your project as well as UC Cooperative Extension's Common Ground Garden Program website.
Here's a quick run through of steps you'll want to take prior to establishing a healthy and safe school garden environment (the guides above go into further detail).
Remember, a school garden is not a sole person's responsibility, it takes a group of committed individuals and leaders to support such a great effort. It's essential to distinguish a garden support team. This team can be comprised of teachers, afterschool leaders, students, parents, older siblings, and college interns. The list is endless of who can support school garden efforts, it's all about the approach. Don't forget to reach out to your local county master gardener.
![]() |
The Learning Garden, Venice High School Compost System |
Organic soil amendments (anything added to your garden soil). Every school garden should establish a composting system that will organically support the creation of healthy soil. Healthy productive gardens have healthy
soil with lots of worm activity. A book entitled, "Kids Can Compost" by Wen-Chia Tsai Parker is a great resource to get students composting.
Mulch. What will cover your garden's ground? Mulch is a great resource in maintaining soil moisture and discouraging weeds. A great economical way to mulch your garden is by way of sheet mulching. If you get mulch donated from a local tree service make sure it's from untreated trees and that the mulch is chopped up well. Large sticks can pose as a safety issue in and around the garden. Be sure to remove them prior to garden activity. Straw is a great option for mulch!
![]() |
Beneath the sheet mulch. Life! |
Mulch. What will cover your garden's ground? Mulch is a great resource in maintaining soil moisture and discouraging weeds. A great economical way to mulch your garden is by way of sheet mulching. If you get mulch donated from a local tree service make sure it's from untreated trees and that the mulch is chopped up well. Large sticks can pose as a safety issue in and around the garden. Be sure to remove them prior to garden activity. Straw is a great option for mulch!
Building materials. Untreated
wood should be used for raised beds, treated wood contains cyanide. Stay away
from railroad ties, they look perfect for the job, but they are filled with
creosote (a carcinogen). These toxic chemicals can leak into the garden soil. Think of safety first when choosing building materials. If you plan on creating raised beds ensure they are no wider that 4ft. You want to ensure that smaller arms can harvest all that they sow.
![]() |
Seed saving. |
![]() |
Salvia clevelandii, native to So Cal. |
![]() |
Plant Milkweed for Monarchs. |
Biodiversity. When you're creating a school garden, you're really creating an ecosystem. A school garden should incorporate local native plants and other varieties that invite beneficial insects.
School Garden Agreements. Before entering the school garden all students should review school garden safety agreements. With the support of a garden leader students should establish their own school garden agreements. Focus on keeping it simple so the agreements are easy to review.
![]() |
Planting monkey flower with student volunteer. |
School Garden Heroes. We all need role models. Here are some links to school garden super heroes, take notes.
Mud Baron, Plugmobs (take note: plugmobs are currently active at John Muir HS ---- be sure to check out their Facebook Page)
Young Folks Urban Farmers
No comments:
Post a Comment