Rethinking the Traditional Schoolyard – Edible Gardens

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Edible gardening promotes both a respect of the natural environment as well as an opportunity for students to take part in growing fresh foods.  There are numerous benefits of school gardens and edible landscaping for students such as learning about ecology in a real-world context, learning teamwork skills and eating healthier foods.

Wooden pergola in a garden with plants and a brick wall.

A garden bed with lush green parsley and tall leek plants.

Raised garden beds with leafy greens near a wooden shed under a cloudy sky.

Rustic wooden cabin surrounded by greenery under a clear sky.

A lush garden bed with various leafy vegetables and plants.

Garden bed with garlic plants and a sign indicating garlic variety.

Gardening benefits the whole child:

  • Gardening offers active and engaging connections to academics, from science and math to nutrition and literacy.
  • Students can share their newfound knowledge with others.
  • Gardening gives students a sense of pride in their accomplishments.
  • Research indicates that children who spend time outdoors in natural, green spaces have reduced anxiety.

Activities for students in the garden include digging, planting vegetables, fruits or flowers, watering plants, composting, weeding, harvesting plants and preparing healthy food.  Edible gardens offer so many learning opportunities for teachers and students alike.

“To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow.”  Audrey Hepburn 

 

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