Why a Big Budget Won’t Guarantee a Successful School Garden

Many teachers dream of building a school garden but feel stuck because they don’t have the funding or approvals. They think, If only we had the budget, we could finally make it happen! But here’s a surprising truth: money is not the biggest obstacle to a successful school garden.

The Biggest Mistake Schools Make with Garden Budgets

When schools do secure funding, they often rush to buy expensive raised beds, automatic watering systems, and flashy tools. The result? A high-maintenance garden that quickly becomes a burden on teachers and volunteers. There’s little student involvement, and the garden, while maybe looking impressive, fails to be an effective educational tool.

If you’ve ever wondered why some school gardens fade away after just one season, this is usually the reason. Too much money spent on things, not enough investment in education.

What You Actually Need for a Thriving School Garden

The best school gardens don’t require huge budgets. Instead, they rely on three key elements:

1. A Thoughtful Teaching Plan: A school garden should be a hands-on learning tool that integrates with subjects like math, science, language arts, and health.

2. Student Ownership: If students aren’t actively involved in building, growing, and maintaining the garden, it won’t be sustainable.

3. Smart Spending: Instead of investing in unnecessary structures, allocate resources toward lesson plans that help you use the garden as an engaging, long-term educational experience.

Do You Even Need an Outdoor Garden?

Many teachers believe they need raised beds or fancy planters to start a garden. That’s not always true! If your school has a grassy area, you can use permaculture techniques to build a thriving garden with minimal expense.

At most, your biggest cost will be bulk soil and mulch. Beyond that, seeds and a few basic supplies are all you need to get started. Even better—you don’t need any approvals to start a classroom garden indoors.

How to Use Funding Wisely

If you’re fortunate enough to receive funding for a school garden, here’s the best way to use it: ✔ Don’t rush to buy wooden beds, shovels, gloves, wheelbarrows, or a shed. You likely don’t need them. ✔ Do invest in a structured, well-connected teaching plan that ensures your students are learning while they grow. ✔ Consider ready-made lesson plans like the Oasis Programs, designed to make school gardens both effective and sustainable. They come with over a decade of hands-on experience and are open for enrollment until February 21st (or you can join the waitlist if you miss this round).

The Bottom Line

A school garden isn’t just about the plants. It’s about what students learn in the process. If you truly want a successful, long-lasting school garden, focus on education first, not just physical infrastructure.

Want to hear more details on how to set your school garden up for success? Listen to Episode 36 of the School Gardens with Ease Podcast!