How Parents Can Best Support School Gardens

Are you a parent dreaming of a school garden where your child can learn hands-on about nature, food, and sustainability? You’re not alone! Many parents feel passionate about school gardens as a way to empower kids with life skills, like growing their own food. But if you’re considering taking on this project, here’s some advice based on years of experience: the best way for parents to support a school garden is not by leading it themselves. Here’s why and how you can make a meaningful difference without overwhelming yourself or others.

My Journey from Parent to a Gardening Coach for Teachers

More than a decade ago, I was exactly where you are: a parent with no background in gardening but a huge desire for my kids to learn how to grow food. My previous life as a software developer in a corporate setting was worlds away from the soil and plants, but as I became more aware of the importance of fresh, pesticide-free food, I wanted my children to understand where their food came from and to develop this skill themselves.

When I came across Permaculture and started dipping my hands in the soil to grow my own food in my backyard, I couldn't believe how easy it was to grow my food and I naively thought it must be easy to grow one at school!

I decided to run an after-school gardening program at my child’s school. The interest was huge—enrollment filled up in days! Yet, despite the enthusiasm, keeping up with the garden proved difficult. It was tough to get lasting involvement from teachers, and the garden upkeep fell mostly on me. The garden flourished, but the process was draining. I quickly learned that while parent-driven garden clubs or after-school programs are well-meaning, they rarely lead to sustainable, impactful school gardens.

The Shift: School Gardens as In-School, Teacher-Led Programs

A turning point came when I pitched my program to a school principal, who immediately saw its potential. Her suggestion? Integrate the garden into the school day. This change was revolutionary. With teachers guiding the project, students engaged fully, from planting to maintaining the garden. The garden became part of their learning experience, connecting to subjects like math, science, language, and health. The result? Students developed a sense of ownership, and teachers were able to tie gardening into the curriculum seamlessly.

This model eliminated the common challenges of volunteer management, logistical headaches, and burnout. Teachers didn’t need extra meetings or organizing sessions as gardening was embedded into their daily schedules. And guess how many parent volunteers we needed? None! Instead, parents played a different, equally important role.

Where Parents Make the Biggest Impact

For a school garden to be sustainable and beneficial, teachers should lead it, students should grow it, and parents should support it. Here’s how parents can make the most positive and impactful contributions:

1. Fundraise for Supplies and Lesson Plans: One of the main challenges teachers face is funding for garden supplies and structured lesson plans. By helping to raise money for these essentials, you’re setting up the garden for success without taking on day-to-day responsibilities.

2. Provide Summer Support: Well-designed school gardens often need minimal care over the summer, primarily watering. Parent volunteers can handle this simple task to keep the garden thriving during the school break.

3. Connect Teachers with Resources: Share resources with interested teachers so they feel equipped to guide a school garden. Programs are available that provide done-for-you lesson plans, step-by-step guides, and even coaching support to make it easy for teachers to integrate gardening into the curriculum.

Here's what I offer:

Why Teacher-Led, Student-Grown Gardens Work Best

When a garden is led by teachers and grown by students, it becomes more than just a planting space—it transforms into a living classroom. Teachers incorporate lessons that tie into real curriculum goals, and students learn by doing. This approach not only eases the burden on parents but also creates an educational experience that is meaningful, sustainable, and fun for everyone involved.

In 2019 alone, I helped teachers and students grow gardens in 15 schools, engaging nearly a thousand students. Through these experiences, I’ve seen what works and what doesn’t. Parent-run gardening clubs, weekend planting events, or lunchtime garden clubs might seem like quick solutions, but they often lead to disorganization, frustration, and ultimately, gardens that don’t last.

Your Next Steps as a Supportive Parent

If you’re excited about starting a school garden, consider the model that will bring long-term success and educational value. Talk to teachers, show them the possibilities, and then focus your efforts on supporting them with resources, fundraising, and summer maintenance. This is the easiest, most sustainable way to make your dream of a school garden a reality for your child and their school community.

For more insights and details, check out my podcast, School Gardens with Ease, where I dive deeper into these strategies and share practical tips for school gardens that last.