Planning The planning and design of your garden is critical to its future success. Whether you are planting indoors or outdoors, the following resources will assist you in determining objectives for your garden program, involving administrators and volunteers, and creating your garden layout. Gardening Year-round in the Classroom This PowerPoint presentation provides an overview about how to start a school garden–indoors or outdoors. Reasons to garden with children are documented and activity recommendations are highlighted to complement a Year-round School Gardening Activities handout. Success with School Gardens The practical aspects included in this book—how to involve administrators in your project, obtain donations and funding, use free publicity to increase community support and so much more—are relevant to everyone who hopes to create a youth garden. Success with School Gardens Book Getting Started There are many steps to consider before creating a school garden—outlining objectives, organizing and planning, building and maintenance, funding. Florida School Garden Outdoor Garden Basics — Location As you begin planning your garden, consider the four following factors:   Soil What is the texture, pH, and nutrient content of your soil? How will it affect the plants you decide to grow? Here are some links that may help you determine where and what to plant, and how you can amend the soil to achieve the best possible garden results. • USU Soil Sample Kit For the most accurate results, USU Analytical Labs will test a small sample of your soil. Their analysis will document phosphorous and potassium content, pH, and texture. Their analysis will also come with recommendations on how you can improve your soil. • Agriculture in the Classroom lesson plans and activities From learning about the importance of soil conservation to seeing the make-up of soil, these instructional units will help get your students involved in the garden from the very beginning.       Sun What part of your school yard gets enough sunlight for the plants you want to grow? You may find it helpful to document different amounts of shade/sun over the course of a year to determine the consistency of light. As you get ready to plant, watch for information on sunlight requirements such as "full sun" or "partial shade." For a good description of these terms, check this page.       Water Is there a water source nearby? Will it provide enough water for full-grown plants without washing seedlings away? One of the greatest mistakes in gardening is overwatering plants. Signs that you are overwatering include a yellowing or darkening of leaves, a fuzzy mildew on or around the base of the plant, or a wilting that is not corrected when plant is watered.
		Wind If your garden is to be located in a largely open area, be sure that protection from wind is provided. Plants suffer negative effects under constant or abrasive winds. Some protections include buildings, trees, and hedges, but be sure that these protections do not block the sunlight. Planning Your School Garden Follow Steps 1 and Steps 2 to guide you through seeking administrative approval and creating a support network for your garden. California School Garden Network Back to Top
	Utah Agriculture in the Classroom