Lyons Brooks, Nova Scotia
Please describe your garden, is it raised beds, in the ground, do you have a greenhouse?
We have 6 raised beds in which we plant vaious veggies
What grade levels worked in the garden and did you or another teacher link some of your curriculum outcomes to the garden?
Primary to grade 6.
What vegetables/fruit do you grow in your garden? What do you have a difficult time growing in your school garden?
This year we planted beans, peas, lettuce, kale, tomatoes, corn, cucumber, watermelon and pumpkins. We planted various flowers but sunflowers and marigolds grew the best.
Why did your school decide to add a school garden?
We have had a garden for a few years but covid put our fire out for a bit. Students really wated to start up and they rallied to get planting again.
What classes participate in the garden, what subjects are taught in the garden?
Primary to grade 6.
Who manages the garden day to day? Who manages the garden over the Summer break?
We all work together to keep the garden growing. Parents help out over the summer.
What do you do with the harvest from your garden? Do you have a harvest celebration? Do you use it in the cafeteria, or culinary classes? Do you donate some of the produce?
We did donate some of our beans as there were just too many. We mostly just snacked each week and enjoyed our hard work. Often, students just wanted to bring some home to share with their families
Do you have community involvement? Do you have parents and volunteers? Have been able to source other funding to help your garden grow?
Parents help out in the summer and some will hang out and help harvest or clean up.
What are your future plans for the school garden?
Students really like the idea of planting root veggies and have more of a harvest celebration next year. They would also like a green house or someway to plant veggies throughout the winter.
Any words of encouragement/tips for a school starting a school garden?
Start small and build on to that. It can be overwhelming but there is quite a bit of funding available and students really enjoy every bit of the garden adventure. Any growth is exciting and that is so important.
Nutrients for Life is supported by:
The translation of our website has been made possible by the Government of Canada
