Do you have…

• A lack of gardening knowledge?
• No green space?
• Poor soils?
• A lack of time?
• Non-supportive administration?
• No funds?
• Mandated curriculum?

Starting a school garden doesn't have to feel like pulling weeds!

First steps to a successful school garden:

1. Build an initial team! An interested teacher, one who is willing to put the time and effort into making the garden successful, is the key to a successful school garden.
2. Use promotional packets with research articles and supporting documents (available from the Louisiana Junior Master Gardener state coordinator) to obtain support from school administration.
3. Once a teacher and administration are on board, it is very important to consult with the maintenance supervisor at the school. They will be instrumental in selecting a garden site and locating water, sewer, electric and other important lines.

Remember: Teacher 1st
Principal 2nd
Maintenance Supervisor 3rd

Your local LSU AgCenter extension personnel can provide you with gardening resources. Contact your local extension office to determine if you have a horticulture agent in your area.

Once you have an interested school, approach other organizations that aid in community service to help with your garden:

• Local Master Gardeners
• Sheriff’s Office
• Police Jury
• Community Leaders
• Local Citizens
• Local Nurseries
• Plant Societies
• Parish 4-H Junior Leaders

Need more support?

• Send a letter to parents and let them express the degree of involvement – could be gardening construction/maintenance, chaperoning students or monetary donations.
• Send flyers to local businesses that may want to donate time, materials or funds.
• Home Improvement Stores
• Local Nurseries
• Museums and Libraries

Need funding?

• Grants are available from public and private organizations
• Local businesses or organizations may adopt your school garden
• In-kind contributions
• School fundraisers

Junior Master Gardener curriculum is available online for purchase and will soon be correlated with the Louisiana Grade Level Expectations.