Edible Schoolyards Instructions

1: Schedule a weekend in May or June and start telling people early.

2: Measure your schoolyard area for boxes. Generally expect to install 3-6 6'x3' boxer for planting flowers and vegetables.

3: Make a list of vegetables that are easy to grow in your area, peas, chards, tomatoes, etc

4: Buy Supplies:

36' of 2x6 per box or 18' of 2x12

Galvinized 3" Screws

Screw Guns for Adults

4' of 2x2 per box

Gloves, shovels, wheelbarrow, hoses

2 yards of garden mix dirt per 3 boxes

Starts or seeds of your favorite vegetables (suggest starts) and flowers

5: Make Boxes --- see diagram on next page

6: Fill with dirt

7: Sort starts into boxes before your start planting. Remember things get much bigger, read the space requirements of the plants

8: Let the Kids plant them. They will get dirty, but they will love it and the love watching things grow.

9: Water lightly the first day of transplanting, soak on day 2. Remember to allow the kids to do as much as possible

10: Have Fun!

11: Learning to love vegetable is easy when it tastes great.

We invite you to consider that the deep learning that comes with vegetable gardening lasts a lifetime. It can bring peace and patience to all who participate.

Installing a schoolyard garden teaches kids to learn how to cultivate nature, responsibility, teamwork, and patience. Learning at an early age to love fresh vegetables will support good health and good food choices during teenage years, through young adult, and into adult hood. Working hand in hand with adults and other kids teaches teamwork and responsibility.

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