John Adam Memorial School

About our Garden

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

We have 5 in ground gardens and 5 raised bed gardens.

We also have mobile green walls for spring seeding and are looking into purchasing a hydroponic tower.

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

Herbs, Carrots, lettuce, tomatoes

Tomatoes (summer maintainence)

Why did your school decide to add a school garden?

Why not? It allows the students to reconnect with nature and learn how we grow our foods.

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

All classes. Math, science, physical education and health, Human Sciences + Ethics & Religious Cultures (Indigenous agriculture)

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

Daycare crew after school along with school principal.

We have connected with the SauS Autism Run summer camp (volunteers)

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?

This summer was difficult as access to the gardens was limited due to renovations in the school. Next year, we plan to have a harvest celebration.

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

We are going to work with the Kahnawake Food Sovereignty (community garden).

What are your future plans for the school garden?

Continue to build raised bed gardens.

We are working on a Farm to Table project so our harvest will be incorporated into what we cook for the students and staff.

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

It has been such a boost in the school. The students love seeing their hard work grow! Literally... We have a few students who have quite a few difficulties at school who are now is super involved. They want to rake, work outside and help with numerous community service projects...all because of some soil and some seeds!