Do you have…
- A lack of gardening knowledge?
- No green space?
- Poor soils?
- A lack of time?
- Non-supportive administration?
- No funds?
- Mandated curriculum?
Starting a school garden doesn't have to feel like pulling weeds!
First steps to a successful school garden:
- Build an initial team! An interested teacher, one who is willing to put the time and effort into making the garden successful, is the key to a successful school garden.
- Use promotional packets with research articles and supporting documents (available from the Louisiana Junior Master Gardener state coordinator) to obtain support from school administration.
- Once a teacher and administration are on board, it is very important to consult with the maintenance supervisor at the school. They will be instrumental in selecting a garden site and locating water, sewer, electric and other important lines.
Remember: Teacher 1st
Principal 2nd
Maintenance Supervisor 3rd
Your local LSU AgCenter extension personnel can provide you with gardening resources. Contact your local extension office to determine if you have a horticulture agent in your area.
Once you have an interested school, approach other organizations that aid in community service to help with your garden:
Need more support?
- Send a letter to parents and let them express the degree of involvement – could be gardening construction/maintenance, chaperoning students or monetary donations.
- Send flyers to local businesses that may want to donate time, materials or funds.
- Home Improvement Stores
- Local Nurseries
- Museums and Libraries
Need funding?
- Grants are available from public and private organizations
- Local businesses or organizations may adopt your school garden
- In-kind contributions
- School fundraisers
Junior Master Gardener curriculum is available online for purchase and will soon be correlated with the Louisiana Grade Level Expectations.