Resources for Educators

Define your garden's purpose. Will it be an educational garden tied to specific curriculum? Will it be a food production garden for the cafeteria or tastings? Will it be a native/pollinator garden for ecological education? Will it be all of the above?

Assess your space. For schools with land access, scout potential locations that have adequate sunlight, water, security, and accessibility for all students. For schools with limited or no land access, look into window or container gardens, vertical or hydroponic systems, or even partner with community gardens, parks, or farms nearby.

Design your garden. Start small and plan for expansion. Plan your paths first, make sure they are wide enough for accessibility needs. Consider outdoor learning spaces with seating and shade. Create a simple map or diagram.

Schedule a Garden Consultation with your Regional Education Coordinator.

Budget for essential costs.

• Tools and equipment
• Soil, compost, and amendments
• Seeds and starter plants
• Irrigation supplies
• Educational materials

Explore funding sources. Review our funding page for ideas on where to get funding for your school garden project.

Resource procurement. Seek donations from local businesses, farms, and nurseries. Organize volunteer parties for construction and large projects.

There are many different methods of garden spaces:

1. In-Ground Gardens:
   • Test soil for contaminants and nutrients.
   • Remove grass, weeds, and debris
   • Mark garden boundaries and paths
   • Consider installing edging or fencing
2. For Raised Beds
   • Build beds 8-12 inches deep (deeper is better)
   • Use untreated wood, recycled plastic lumber, concrete blocks, or other safe materials
   • Line bottom with hardware cloth if gophers or moles are a concern
   • Fill with quality soil mix (topsoil, compost, and amendments)
3. For Container Gardens
   • Ensure containers have drainage holes
   • Use food-grade containers when growing edibles
   • Fill with lightweight potting mix designed for containers
   • Position in areas receiving adequate sunlight
4. Indoor/Vertical Gardens
   • Select appropriate growing system based on space and budget
   • Ensure adequate lighting (natural or grow lights)
   • Consider water needs and drainage solutions
   • Set up near electrical outlets if using hydroponic systems

Align with Educational Standards

Connect garden activities to Oregon academic standards
Integrate across subjects (science, math, language arts, social studies)
Consider creating grade-specific garden activities

Sample Garden Activities

Plant life cycles and food systems education
Weather tracking and seasonal observations
Composting and soil science
Pollinators and beneficial insects studies
Food preparation and nutrition lessons

Seasonal Planning

Create a planting calendar appropriate for Oregon's climate zones. Use these tips to create a calendar and this interactive tool to plan your crop schedule. Check out the resources below for Oregon Garden Calendars. 

Plan for summer garden maintenance during school breaks
Schedule harvest celebrations and community events

Select Appropriate Plants

• Choose varieties appropriate for your region and growing season
• Consider fast-growing plants for quick student engagement
• Include plants from diverse cultures represented in your school
• Mix flowers, vegetables, herbs, and native plants

Planting Guidelines

• Involve students in all aspects of planting
• Demonstrate proper planting techniques
• Label plants clearly
• Keep records of planting dates and varieties

For Indoor/Container Gardens:

• Select compact varieties bred for small spaces
• Consider "cut and come again" greens for extended harvests
• Use succession planting to maintain continuous yields
• Choose appropriate plants for your light condition

Establish Maintenance Routines

• Create a garden maintenance schedule
• Assign class or group responsibilities
• Train students in basic garden tasks
• Document activities and growth

Pest Management

• ODA has developed resources for school-based Integrated Pest Management (IMP). 
• For alternatives to Roundup for pest management, check out this resource.

Basic Maintenance Tasks

• Regular watering and monitoring
• Weeding and mulching
• Pest monitoring using integrated pest management
• Harvesting and replanting

Summer and Break Maintenance

Summer in the school garden can be a tricky time. Check out this resource for insight on maintaining gardens during the summer.

• Develop a vacation care schedule with volunteers
• Consider installing simple irrigation systems
• Plant cover crops during long breaks
• Create detailed instructions for vacation garden caretakers

Harvesting Guidelines

• Teach proper harvesting techniques
• Maintain food safety standards
• Track yields and share produce appropriately
• Involve cafeteria staff if using produce in school meals

Garden Celebrations

• Host harvest parties or tasting events
• Invite families and community members
• Showcase student learning and accomplishments

Evaluation and Improvement

• Gather feedback from students, teachers, and volunteers
• Document successes and challenges
• Adjust plans for next season
• Share your garden story with other schools