A patch of green at school

With industrialization so prevalent globally, we need to start telling our children the value of greenery in this concrete jungle. You can start by having a small garden at school for your students.

You may be wondering, “How to go about it? How will I do it?” Well, there are many ways to do it , but here are a few pointers:

Team up with parents

First, you can take suggestions and ideas from parents. This way, it will be easier for you to get the cooperation of the management. Some people in the management may consider your project as frill or eating away time from the classroom sessions.

Once you are able to get the support of parents and the majority of the management, the naysayers will have no say and everything will fall in place.

Once the garden project gets going, you have to ensure the commitment of the maintenance staff. Even in this department, some will respond positively while a few may see it just as another unnecessary chore. Tell them about the project and its benefits to the school, then listen and respond to their concerns.

Plan for the long term

Take some time to think about what the garden will be like in some years, maybe five or even 10 years. Students who are in the school now would complete their schooling and move on, parents associated with the project will change with time and the staff may also be slowly replaced. Ask yourself: Who will be responsible for the garden as the initial group of supporters move on?

Start small

Start with a few flower beds while ensuring that there is ample space to expand rather than trying to build the ultimate garden, all at the initial stage. This helps everyone involved gain some time to acquaint with their roles properly.

Build raised beds

Rather than removing the sod and tilling an area in the school property, set up raised beds, fill them with topsoil and compost and then plant. This reduces the cost and effort needed to create the garden and allows for the garden to be expanded as needed. It also makes it possible to assign specific classes, grades or groups to particular beds.

Set the timing right

Don’t grow a garden full of summer vegetables or other plants that need to be harvested when school is not in session.

Think about water

While planning, take time to figure out the possible sources of water and how you will bring it to the garden easily. The best way is to harvest rain water.

Work out a plan.

This can be the most challenging yet the most important task to sustain your garden. Before you start, develop a thorough plan for keeping the garden well-tended, especially when school remains closed (during vacations).