The Benefits of Garden Areas for Schools

Schools today are facing many issues related to funding that can be solved, at least in part, with a garden area. The garden area can be used for teaching science concepts, it can be used for teaching health concepts, it can be used for teaching business modules and it can also be used to enhance the nutritional value of school lunches without adding to the school's expenses. With all of the benefits that can be harvested from a school garden area it is no wonder why so many schools are starting to get into the business of hobby farming.

School Lunch Enhancements

The first, and most obvious benefit that a garden area at school has it that it can provide low cost nutritious foods for the school lunch program. This is particularly true for schools that are located in the warmer areas of the country. However, even northern schools can still grow great vegetables by starting the plants inside or by using a greenhouse to grow things during the colder months.

Science Education

Another benefit that school garden areas can provide to their schools and students is an outside science lab. Students can learn about seed germination, about composting, about the life cycle of plants and about pollination. They can also learn about genetics by crossing plants in the garden.

Health Education

Health classes can also use the garden as a learning tool. Modules can be developed around how to grow healthy foods, how to select healthy foods and how to tell when fruits and vegetables are ripe. Health classes can also use the produce from the school garden area to learn about calories, nutrition and various nutrients.

Business Education

Business modules can also be developed around the school garden area. Students can run their garden area as a hobby farm and sell the produce that they grow. A specific class or grade level can be responsible for the garden each year and their efforts will be rewarded by being able to use their profits to go on a field trip or to buy supplies for their classroom. Lessons can include things like how to set prices, how to market products and how to make a sale at a farmer's market. If the garden area is in a high school that advanced business modules can be developed. For example, bookkeeping, financial analysis and financial management lesson plans can be developed around the class garden area.