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Steps to Creating a Successful School Garden

Junior Master Gardener

Junior Master Gardener

Junior Master Gardener

Junior Master Gardener

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:

  1. 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.
  2. Use promotional packets with research articles and supporting documents (available from the Louisiana Junior Master Gardener state coordinator) to obtain support from school administration.
  3. 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.

6/10/2009 1:14:47 AM
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The LSU AgCenter and the LSU College of Agriculture

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