Why Garden Programs in Schools are Important
September is already here! This means, back to school for the kids. Recently, we had the pleasure of installing a pollinator garden at our kid's school before the previous school year ended. We were so happy to see how many kids lined up to be able to help out, even shoveling dirt! This garden will allow the kids at the school to learn the importance of growing things, and the type of plants that will attract insects to the garden, which, as we know, are beneficial to a healthy environment. It was also great that other businesses know of the importance of having a garden at the school, Hillside Stone and Landscape donated the soil and Central Landscape Supplies donated the mulch used. We look forward to seeing this garden flourish for many years to come and the education for the students along with it.
Why are Garden Programs so Important?
Schools are going more and more towards technology with learning, and while that is great in how much information they can access, it is still important to make sure kids get outside and learn about the environment. Schools do a great job in finding a balance between being inside learning and getting outside to learn as well, but not every school may have a garden. Gardening helps students become environmental stewards, ensuring that the planet they grow up on is healthy for future generations. It also shows kids how food is grown, right from seed to produce, as well as learning about each stage along the way. A school garden also helps with student’s mental health, by getting outside and fresh air, physical activity, as well as provides stress relief and relaxation.
What do the Students Learn From Gardens?
As mentioned above, learning about how food is grown is important for students, especially being aware of how much work goes into making sure crops are successful, and what it takes to keep a garden healthy. Along with growing food, children will learn about proper nutrition. They will be able to learn about soil, what is in soil, how compost helps and works, and the discipline to tend to the garden to keep it thriving. It also shows them how much we rely on insects and pollinators for things to be able to grow and understand how much this world relies on bees. A hands-on approach to learning gives students a more positive attitude towards science and can improve test scores. It teaches the students problem solving, planning, and even food prep and cooking when they are able to use what they have grown.
How Can You Help Set a Garden up at Your Child’s School?
Not sure where to start if your child’s school doesn’t have a garden? Approaching the school’s administrative team is one option, another is going to a PAC meeting at the school and bringing forward the idea of starting one. A school PAC is there to advocate for the students in the school, and to make sure classes are getting the resources needed. Some PACs help fundraise for projects that will benefit the school, as well as look into resources for funding, talk to principals, get school boards involved, and seek parent volunteers to help build the garden areas. Grants can also be applied for to help with funding. A few links to look into as the school year begins are:
https://farmtoschoolbc.ca/grants/
https://nutrientsforlife.ca/en/learning-gardens/grant-application
https://www.littlegreenthumbs.org/2019/02/07/do-more-with-your-garden/
Main thing to help is get involved and volunteer. Some schools may have a garden in place, but needs a lot of work put into it to get it cleaned up and ready for planting again. Grant funding can also go towards maintenance, not just the set up. Helping add onto the garden at our kid’s school was such a rewarding experience and we are so glad to have been able to help make it a reality. The pollinator garden will help the vegetable garden right beside it by attracting bees and other beneficial insects to help the crops planted by the students grow.