Maximize Winter: Essential Steps for Planning a School Garden

When the chill of winter sets in, gardening might be the last thing on your mind. But for teachers and parents who want to bring the magic of school gardens to life, winter is the season to get started, not by planting, but by planning.

If you’ve ever wondered why some gardens thrive while others falter, the secret often lies in what happens before the first seed is sown. Winter is the time to dream, strategize, and lay the groundwork for a flourishing spring garden. Here’s how to make the most of this crucial season.

Why Winter Matters

Gardening is all about working with nature, not against it. Seasons determine what we grow, when we grow it, and how successful those plants will be. Skipping the planning phase in winter can lead to rushed decisions, poorly timed plantings, and a whole lot of frustration.

Think of winter as the blueprint stage. You’re designing your garden’s success, ensuring you have the right resources, knowledge, and timeline to bring your vision to life.

Key Steps for Winter Planning

1. Map Out Your Garden Goals

Are you growing indoors or outdoors? A classroom garden or a school-wide project? Take time to define your purpose and the outcomes you want for your students. What do you want them to learn, experience, and accomplish?

2. Get Your Resources in Place

From seeds and soil to funding and lesson plans, now is the time to gather everything you need. Waiting until spring could mean scrambling for supplies or settling for less-than-ideal materials.

Pro Tip #1: Check out planting calendars like the one at GrowVeg.com to help you choose the right plants for your climate and timeline.

Pro Tip #2: Check out my Free School Gardens with Ease webinar to learn step by step what's to be done to grow a flourishing school garden in spring.

3. Build Your Curriculum

A school garden is more than a collection of plants. It’s a hands-on teaching tool. Plan your lessons around the garden, incorporating science, math, and even art. If writing lesson plans feels overwhelming, look for done-for-you programs like my Oasis series.

4. Secure Buy-In from Stakeholders

Whether you’re a teacher leading the charge or a parent offering support, collaboration is key. Use the winter months to talk to school administrators, other teachers, and the community. Share your vision and rally their support early. I have a free guide on How to Pitch your School Garden Idea that you can find HERE.

Avoiding the “Last-Minute Garden” Trap

Every year, I hear from teachers and parents in March, eager to start a school garden, without a plan. As much as I want to help, the truth is that starting late often leads to avoidable mistakes and frustration, even if I'm the advisor!

When it comes to gardening, timing is everything. Planning in winter sets the stage for success, while last-minute efforts often lead to missed opportunities. If you wanna talk, let's talk NOW (in winter)!

Ready to Get Started?

Winter is the perfect time to set your school garden up for success. Take these months to plan, prepare, and build the foundation for a garden that will thrive in the spring and beyond.

🎧 Want to dive deeper? I discuss all of this and more in my latest podcast episode, “Why Winter is the Key to a Successful School Garden.” Listen now for additional insights and practical tips to make your garden dreams a reality.

Loved this article? Share it with your #SchoolGardens community and tag us @kidsgrowingcity.

Let’s make this winter count, because the seeds of success are planted long before the thaw of spring.