Grow a garden at your school to encourage healthy eating and to reduce how much fuel is used to get food to consumers.
- Make your case: If you are planning to make a school garden, you'll probably need the approval of either the principal or the school council. Give a specific plan of
- where you would like to build the garden
- when you'll start
- who you'll involve
Use other schools' gardens as a sample/example. If you have enlisted any teachers to help you with your project, bring them along.
- Analyze the site- Once approved,
- determine the type of soil
- how much light there is
- where you will get your water
- how you will drain it.
All of these factors will go in to your design.
- Find out how much it will cost: Visit a landscape supply business online or in person to learn the cost of materials. In addition to plants, you'll probably need tools and reference books.
- Get funding: Some schools will provide you a budget, such as if the garden is part of a club. If your school won't fund, try talking to a local plant nursery and see if they'll donate plants to your garden.
- Choose your plant materials: Do you want flowers? Vegetables? Pick what you want to include in your garden. Keep your budget and your space in mind.
- Plan a day for the initial planting: Get as many people involved as possible. To spread awareness about the garden, consider holding a little celebration with food and refreshments. When students stop by, fill them in on the work you're doing.
- Assemble your team: Have a sign up sheet at the special event day. These volunteers will pledge to take part in the garden's:
- maintenance
- regular meetings
- fundraising events
Set a schedule: For the rest of the year, volunteers will need to follow the strict outline that you've made of who waters, weeds, and meets when. Remember to email the volunteer the day before their scheduled duty so that they don't forget.
