Steps to Success

1. Gather your Team

• Build a leadership team of 5 to 10 people, including support from teachers, students, administration, and families.

2. Integrate the Garden

• Ask: Why is a garden right for us? What are our goals? Will the garden connect to specific standards?
• Who is our garden for? When in the school day will it be used?

3. Find a Garden Site (and Permission!)

• Easily visible and accessible for teachers and students, 8 hours of direct sunlight, and close access to water.
• Work closely with your school’s facilities department and administration about permits or other requirements.

4. Develop the Garden

• Design the garden with students and teachers! Start small and build on success. Developing in phases is a good way to go.
• Identify partners who can help with resources and funding. See listed grant opportunities.
• Plan: How will the garden be maintained? Will each class have their own plot, will it be a communal garden, or some combination? Develop leadership roles and garden guidelines.

5. Build Community Year-round

• Hold school-wide workdays, workshops, and garden celebrations.
• Share successes with the School Garden Network Facebook page!