Ecole Leila North Community School

About our Garden

Please describe your garden, is it raised beds, in the ground, do you have a greenhouse?

We built 4 raised beds for the students to use. No, we do not have a greenhouse but we start our plants indoors under grow lights.

What grade levels worked in the garden and did you or another teacher link some of your curriculum outcomes to the garden?

The new gardens were used from June - October. We had 5 classes - one grade 6 class, three 6/7 classes and one grade 8 class. This garden season we worked with a few different subject areas, science (plant life cycles, soil type, insects, weather, and ecosystems) math (measurement- plant growth, seed counting, weight) Foods Program ( we used the produce during our cooking periods to make a variety of meals, pasta sauce, muffins, herb blends) Environmental Studies ( composting, water conservation, lasagna gardening, no dig )

What vegetables/fruit do you grow in your garden? What do you have a difficult time growing in your school garden?

This is what we grew in our four raised beds from June-October. We had calendula, peppers, tomatoes, celery, chives, thyme, oregano, basil, marigolds, lavender and mint.

Why did your school decide to add a school garden?

We wanted students to learn how to nurture, maintain, and support a garden. We believe there are many educational, social, and environmental benefits to learning how to grow food. The gardens provide our students with additional hands on learning pieces, increase environmental awareness, teamwork skills, responsibility, sharing surplus food and community building.

What classes participate in the garden, what subjects are taught in the garden?

The new gardens were used from June - October. We had 5 classes - one grade 6 class, three 6/7 classes and one grade 8 class. This garden season we worked with a few different subject areas, science (plant life cycles, soil type, insects, weather, and ecosystems) math (measurement- plant growth, seed counting, weight) Foods Program ( we used the produce during our cooking periods to make a variety of meals, pasta sauce, muffins, herb blends) Environmental Studies ( composting, water conservation, lasagna gardening, no dig )

Who manages the garden day to day? Who manages the garden over the Summer break?

The students in my class helped support the garden, as well as a group of eight Eco-Warrior students. Both myself, the custodial team, and a colleague helped maintain the garden 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 used the garden harvest in the Foods Programming as well as our Nutrition Program.

Do you have community involvement? Do you have parents and volunteers? Have been able to source other funding to help your garden grow?

We do not have community involvement yet. But we plan to implement this in the next growing season. We were able to source additional funding to complete parts of this project.

What are your future plans for the school garden?

We are working on some winter sowing. Garlic, calendula, carrots, and beets. We will also be adding mulch walkways and two additional raised beds in the future for students to continue to grow and learn with their classes.

Any words of encouragement/tips for a school starting a school garden?

Starting a school garden is more than just planting seeds - it is about learning together, teamwork skills and sharing resources. Every seed we put into the soil is a chance to discover something new and build connections with the community and our ecosystem. Our gardens are a space where learning comes alive and curiosity is built.