Starting and sustaining school gardens
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EmailLearn more about a MSU Extension workshop that will help educators and volunteers get ready for spring gardening programs.
Michigan State University Extension is hosting a workshop titled, “Starting and Sustaining the School Garden” from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on January 31 at the MSU Tollgate Education Center in Novi, Mich.
Teachers, food service directors, parents and other volunteers can come and learn about all of the essentials to growing a successful school garden. This workshop will work for community and faith-based gardens as well. This workshop can help those who want to extend their classroom or community learning spaces, but don’t feel confident about gardening alone.
Research is demonstrating that students who plant and harvest their own fruits and vegetables are more likely to eat them, and garden-based learning can make a positive impact on children’s academic performance. Math and science skills are used in gardening along with scientific methods of investigation and experimentation. Equally important for youth is the lesson on understanding how food goes from seed to table.
Among other things, participants will learn:
- How to choose the best site for their garden
- How to improve their soil
- How to select the best vegetable crops that will mature in spring or fall when school is in session
- How to conduct regular garden maintenance
- How to incorporate the garden into school curriculum
Sessions will be taught by MSU Extension Educators and Master Gardeners. The cost of the workshop is $65.
To register, visit the workshop’s registration page: Garden Training, email Katherine Hale or call 586-469-5180.
