School Gardens with Ease

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Today, on the School Gardens with Ease podcast, we’re talking about a crucial part of creating successful school gardens: lesson planning.

If you’re new here, one key thing to know is that school gardens should be grown by students, led by teachers, and supported by the community. Not parent-volunteer projects outside of class time.

Why Lesson Plans Matter:

If school gardens are built and maintained during class time, they must integrate with the curriculum. That’s non-negotiable. Gardens can enrich science, math, language arts, social studies, history, geography, health, and more. Without solid lesson plans, a school garden won’t achieve its educational goals.

But here’s where many teachers go wrong:
❌ Don’t start with your curriculum goals and try to fit random gardening activities to meet them.

The Right Way to Write Gardening Lesson Plans:

✅ Start with the garden itself.
Think about the tasks needed to grow a food garden. This includes:
1️⃣ Selecting seeds
2️⃣ Planning the timing based on your growing zone
3️⃣ Using sub-irrigated systems for seedlings
4️⃣ Creating a step-by-step plan for students to follow

Then, connect these hands-on gardening tasks to your curriculum. 

A garden that grows consistently over time provides ongoing educational opportunities, not just sporadic activities.

Final Reminder: It’s All About the Plan

A thriving school garden isn’t about hard work or personal time sacrifice. It’s about having a good plan.

And if you need help? My Oasis Suite of done-for-you lesson packages (https://www.kidsgrowingcity.ca/links-oasis-programs) gives you everything you need: growing guides, curriculum connections, and student activities.

Want more details? Download my free seed selection guide (https://www.kidsgrowingcity.ca/get-seed-list-gift-for-teachers) and check out my guide for a low-cost, foolproof way to start your seeds indoors (https://www.kidsgrowingcity.ca/offers/pZ2cNrYj/checkout).

Thanks for listening! See you next time on School Gardens with Ease!

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Welcome back to Part 2 of my conversation with Shant, a passionate teacher who has made classroom and school gardening a cornerstone of his teaching practice. In this episode, we dive deeper into Shant’s experience:

• Transitioning from indoor to outdoor gardening with the Caja Oasis program.
• The surprising simplicity of managing a school garden and how it fit seamlessly into his teaching schedule.
• The powerful community connections Shant built through gardening and fundraising initiatives.
• How gardening has positively impacted his students’ engagement, teamwork, and overall learning.

Shant also reflects on how gardening became a personal passion, spilling over into his home life and helping him discover new hobbies like making hot sauce from his harvest! He shares valuable advice for teachers considering classroom gardening but feeling overwhelmed by the idea of taking on more work.

If you haven't listened to Part 1, make sure to go back and catch it to hear how Shant got started on this journey. His story will leave you feeling inspired and ready to bring the magic of gardening into your own classroom!

Links and Resources:

To learn how to grow school gardens with ease, join our free annual School Gardens with Ease webinar here:
https://www.kidsgrowingcity.ca/main-registration-page-school-gardens-with-ease

And to learn more about the Oasis programs go here:
https://www.kidsgrowingcity.ca/links-oasis-programs

Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review to help more educators discover how they can easily integrate gardening into their classrooms!

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In this special two-part series, I sit down with Shant, an inspiring grade eight teacher who transformed his classroom with the Oasis Classroom program. Shant Sourian shares his journey from being, a hesitant new teacher, to becoming a passionate advocate for classroom gardening. In this episode, we explore:

• How Shant discovered the Oasis Classroom program and why he was initially hesitant to take it on.
• The unexpected ways gardening engaged his students and enhanced their learning.
• Creative ways Shant integrated gardening into his STEM curriculum.
• How gardening became a central part of his teaching strategy, making learning more tangible and enjoyable for his students.

Shant also shares heartwarming stories about his students' excitement and pride as they watched their garden flourish. You'll hear how Oasis gardening programs helped Shant create a vibrant, hands-on learning environment that empowered his students to make real-world connections.

Make sure to tune in to Part 2 (released in a few days), where Shant delves into his outdoor gardening journey and reveals the transformative impact gardening had on his teaching and personal life!

To learn how to grow school gardens with ease, join our free annual School Gardens with Ease webinar here:
https://www.kidsgrowingcity.ca/main-registration-page-school-gardens-with-ease

And to learn more about the Oasis programs go here:
https://www.kidsgrowingcity.ca/links-oasis-programs

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Welcome to the Final Episode of 2024!
In this reflective and inspiring episode, Leila Mireskandari wraps up the year by encouraging you to look back on your school garden journey (or none thereof) in 2024 and dream big for 2025. It’s the perfect time to evaluate what worked, what didn’t, and how to make your school garden dreams a reality in the coming year.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• Why the end of the calendar year is an ideal time to plan your school garden.
• The importance of reflecting on your past efforts:
  • What stopped you from starting?
  • What challenges did you face?
  • What successes should you repeat?
• Why the primary goal of a school garden should always be education, and how to avoid common pitfalls like involving the wrong people or setting the wrong goals.
• How simplicity is key to starting small and growing successfully.
• Why dreaming big is essential to achieving your goals and creating a lasting legacy for your students.

Upcoming in 2025:

• A sneak peek at January’s first episode: an inspiring interview with a teacher who has successfully implemented the Oasis Classroom and Caja Oasis programs for 3 years.

Resources Mentioned:

• Free Webinar: Learn how to plan, fundraise, and build your school garden for success: https://www.kidsgrowingcity.ca/main-registration-page-school-gardens-with-ease
• Oasis Programs: Comprehensive, curriculum-connected lesson plans and resources to make gardening with your students easy and rewarding: https://www.kidsgrowingcity.ca/links-oasis-programs

Key Takeaway:

Reflect, learn, and dream again! Your 2025 school garden journey starts now, with the right mindset, clear goals, and actionable steps. Together, we can change the world, one school garden at a time.

Happy Holidays and New Year!
Thank you for joining us in 2024, and we can’t wait to grow with you in 2025. 🎉

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Thriving School Gardens don't happen by accident!
In this episode of School Gardens with Ease, I’m guiding you through the steps to create an impactful, sustainable, and educational garden at your school. Whether you’re a teacher or a supportive parent, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you avoid common pitfalls and set your garden up for success.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• The Power of School Gardens: Discover how gardens enhance student learning, life skills, and environmental stewardship.
• Common Mistakes to Avoid: Learn why parent-led gardens, extracurricular projects, and overly complex setups often fail.
• The 2-Phase Solution: Start with a classroom garden and expand to an outdoor garden with confidence and ease.
• The Role of Lesson Plans: Understand why cohesive lesson plans are the key to connecting gardening tasks with curriculum goals and staying on track.

Episode Highlights

1. What Doesn’t Work:
   • Parent-led gardens often lack educational alignment and become unsustainable.
   • Extracurricular gardens demand too much personal time and lose focus.
   • High-maintenance or overly complicated setups set everyone up for burnout.
2. What Works:
   • Gardens should be student-grown, teacher-led, and managed during class time to maximize educational impact.
   • Starting with a classroom garden builds confidence and avoids summer maintenance challenges.
   • Outdoor gardens thrive when designed with low-maintenance techniques like Hugelkultur, sheet mulching, and biodiversity.
3. Steps to Success:
   • Phase 1: Classroom Garden
     • Use simple supplies like seeds, soil, and a sunny window.
     • Write cohesive lesson plans that align with your curriculum and schedule.
     • Plan ahead for what to do with seedlings at the end of the year.
   • Phase 2: Outdoor Garden
     • Incorporate smart design techniques to reduce maintenance.
     • Engage students in every step, from planning to planting.
4. The Oasis Programs:
   • Oasis Classroom: Perfect for growing impactful classroom gardens.
   • Oasis School: Supports both classroom and outdoor gardens with regenerative designs.
   • Caja Oasis: Ideal for limited space, using sub-irrigated planters.
   • Each program includes ready-made lesson plans, student resources, and personalized coaching.

Resources Mentioned

• Free Guides: 

My Recommended Seeds List for Schools:
https://www.kidsgrowingcity.ca/get-seed-list-gift-for-teachers

Seed Starting in Schools Guide:
https://www.kidsgrowingcity.ca/offers/pZ2cNrYj/checkout

• Hugelkultur Guide: 

https://www.kidsgrowingcity.ca/offers/8WLA6Gpd/checkout

• Annual School Gardens with Ease 70-minute Webinar: 

https://www.kidsgrowingcity.ca/main-registration-page-school-gardens-with-ease

• Oasis Programs Suite: 

https://www.kidsgrowingcity.ca/links-oasis-programs

Creating a thriving school garden doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right approach, you can turn your garden into a hands-on teaching tool that inspires students and transforms your classroom.

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Looking for a shortcut to an easy school garden?
Welcome to Episode 28 of School Gardens with Ease! In this special episode, your host Leila Mireskandari shifts gears to share what’s been on her mind lately—her annual free 70-minute webinar, starting December 1st. This webinar is all about empowering educators and parents to grow school gardens with ease, and in this episode, Leila offers a short and sweet version of what you’ll learn in the webinar.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• The core philosophy behind School Gardens with Ease: working smarter, not harder, by aligning with nature and using Permaculture principles.
• Why school gardens must be led by teachers, entirely maintained by students, and supported (not run!) by parents to ensure success.
• Common mistakes that make school gardens harder than they need to be—and how to avoid them.
• How to integrate gardening seamlessly into your curriculum, using it as a hands-on educational tool for math, science, language arts, and more.
• The key role of lesson plans in keeping the garden project structured and stress-free for teachers.

Highlights:

• The “Ease” Mindset: Growing school gardens doesn’t have to be difficult or time-consuming!
• Why All Work Must Be Done by Students: The garden isn’t just a project; it’s a hands-on classroom where kids learn how to grow food and connect with nature.
• Teachers, No Extra Work for You: Learn how to use prep and class time to manage your garden without adding to your workload.
• Parents as Cheerleaders: Discover the specific ways parents and the community can provide support without stepping on the toes of teachers and students.
• Avoid the Pitfalls: Lunchtime gardening clubs and weekend planting events might sound fun but often lead to burnout and reduced educational value.

Don’t Miss the Free Webinar!

This episode is just the tip of the iceberg. For a detailed step-by-step guide on building an abundant and easy school garden, join Leila’s free School Gardens with Ease webinar. You’ll also receive three free guides to help you get started.

📅 Webinar Details:

• Recorded sessions available 3 times a day from December 1st to mid-February.
• Perfect for teachers and parents who want to start school gardens the right way.

👉 Click here to sign up for the webinar!
https://www.kidsgrowingcity.ca/main-registration-page-school-gardens-with-ease

Let’s grow school gardens with ease together! 🌱

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Don't grow whatever whenever!
Seasons matter!
In this episode of School Gardens with Ease, Leila Mireskandari dives into a crucial aspect of gardening success: timing and seasonal planning. Whether you’re a teacher eager to grow educational gardens or a parent supporting a school gardening project, understanding the seasons is non-negotiable.

Leila explains why growing plants out of season (like tomato seeds in fall) leads to poor results and disheartened students. She stresses the importance of planning and preparation during fall and winter to ensure a thriving garden in spring.

Highlights:

• Why seasons are essential when planning and growing school gardens.
• Common mistakes like planting at the wrong time and how to avoid them.
• The importance of considering a plant's full lifecycle and teaching kids responsibility and care.
• Tips on how fall and winter are the ideal times for planning, gathering resources, and preparing for spring gardens.
• Details about Leila’s Oasis Fall and Winter Program and her upcoming free webinar on planning spring gardens (starting December 1st).

Links and Resources:

• GrowVeg.com – A helpful resource for seasonal planting.
• Oasis Fall and Winter Program – Check out this program for bringing gardening into classrooms during the colder months.
• Join the free spring planning webinar waitlist here.

Take Action:

• Teachers: Plan now for spring! Avoid the stress and disappointment of late starts.
• Parents: Use this season to talk to teachers and gather resources to support a successful school garden.
• Don’t wait! When spring arrives, it’ll be too late to begin planning.

Ready to start? Explore the links above and reach out to Leila now. Let’s ensure your school garden thrives with proper timing and preparation.
Saw this episode late? Still use the links above to add yourself to waitlists for next year.

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Let's welcome Lauren MacLean, a passionate children's author, educator, and outdoor learning consultant. Lauren’s books, including Me and My Sit Spot and Finding Common Ground, inspire young readers to connect with nature, and her work as an educator brings hands-on outdoor experiences into the classroom.

Lauren shares insights on integrating school gardens into the curriculum and offers practical tips for teachers looking to overcome common barriers, such as finding time for outdoor education. She explains how she creatively weaves subjects like math, science, and social studies into outdoor learning, making the garden a year-round, interactive classroom. Lauren’s journey from a former field hockey athlete to a teacher passionate about outdoor education highlights her commitment to fostering environmental stewardship among young learners.

Lauren also introduces her new book, Sitting with Nature: An Educator's Guide to Sit Spots, a comprehensive resource filled with weekly prompts and lesson ideas to engage students in nature-based activities.

Topics Covered:

• Lauren’s inspiring transition to outdoor education and how mentors influenced her teaching approach
• Practical advice on using school gardens to meet curriculum requirements in various subjects
• Addressing teachers' common concerns, like scheduling outdoor time and managing behavior in outdoor settings
• The concept of "sit spots" and how repeated visits to natural spaces build deeper connections to nature
• How Lauren's books bring the magic of nature into classrooms and homes
• The upcoming virtual launch for Sitting with Nature on November 26th—an event for teachers interested in outdoor education

Resources and Links:

• Lauren MacLean’s Website: Teach Outdoors
• Me and My Sit Spot - Amazon
• Finding Common Ground - Amazon
• Sitting With Nature: An Educator’s Guide to Sit Spots - Outdoor Learning Store

Connect with Lauren:

• Website: teachoutdoors.ca
• Join the virtual book launch on November 26th to celebrate Sitting with Nature!

Subscribe & Follow:
Don’t forget to subscribe to School Gardens with Ease and check out more resources on bringing gardens and nature into the classroom!

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Build a Resilient School Garden with Hugelkultur!
In this episode, Leila shares an innovative and regenerative gardening technique that can make your school garden more resilient, water-conserving, and low-maintenance — hugelkultur! 

Leila discusses how this permaculture technique, which involves creating a raised garden bed with a foundation of buried wood, can significantly reduce summer maintenance needs and provide long-term benefits to both the garden and the learning experience. Hugelkultur is not only water-efficient and nutrient-rich, but it also extends the growing season, supports local wildlife, and serves as a hands-on educational tool for students. This episode provides a step-by-step guide to building a hugelkultur bed with your students and highlights how this method can make your school garden more self-sustaining.

Topics Covered:

1. What is Hugelkultur?
   • Definition and translation of "hugelkultur" (mound or hill culture).
   • How to create a raised garden bed using layers of wood topped with soil.
2. Benefits of Hugelkultur Gardens:
   • Water Conservation: Wood in the bed acts like a sponge, retaining water and reducing the need for frequent watering.
   • Nutrient-Rich Soil: Over time, the decomposing wood enriches the soil, eliminating the need for additional fertilizers.
   • Extended Growing Season: Heat from the decomposing wood helps keep the soil warmer, allowing plants to thrive for longer in colder climates.
   • Biodiversity and Wildlife Support: Hugelkultur beds attract beneficial woodland wildlife and mushrooms, enhancing the ecosystem around the garden.
   • Resilience and Low Maintenance: Fewer watering requirements and built-in nutrients reduce the need for summer maintenance.
3. Science and Educational Value:
   • Opportunities for teaching students about natural water cycles, soil health, decomposition, and biodiversity.
4. Practical Considerations:
   • Recommended wood types (avoid chipped wood, willow, and black walnut).
   • Where to source whole, dead wood for building the bed.
   • Tips for constructing a stable, tidy hugelkultur bed with students.

Resources Mentioned:

• Guide to Building a Hugelkultur Garden with Students
• Oasis School Program, which includes step-by-step gardening lesson plans and resources:

https://www.kidsgrowingcity.ca/links-oasis-programs

• Guide to Setting Up a Watering Chest for Summer Maintenance 

Don’t Miss Out:
Leila shares her personal experience with hugelkultur and how it transformed her approach to school gardens. This episode is packed with practical advice and educational insights that will make your school garden setup a breeze!

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Let's tackles the "Expensive" myth surrounding school gardens: 
Drawing from over a decade of experience growing school gardens, Leila Mireskandari, reveals why the idea that school gardens are costly is often rooted in misconceptions, and how a well-planned garden can actually be both affordable and sustainable. 
From examining why people assume school gardens are pricey to offering practical, low-cost alternatives, Leila guides listeners through the steps to make school gardening an achievable goal. 
Discover the common pitfalls that lead to budget-busting gardens, the traps of unnecessary equipment, and the benefits of keeping gardens student-led, teacher-guided, and connected to the curriculum. By the end of this episode, you’ll be equipped with insights to build a garden that’s as cost-effective as it is impactful.

Key Takeaways:

1. Why People Think School Gardens Are Expensive: Leila explains the influence of social assumptions, flashy but unnecessary equipment, and past failures.
2. Three Reasons School Gardens Fail: Discover the main factors that lead to costly and unsuccessful gardens, including community-led models and gardens disconnected from curriculum.
3. Affordable Solutions for Effective Gardens: Learn how to use Permaculture principles, prioritize student involvement, and minimize expenses.
4. Avoiding Unnecessary Costs: Leila highlights items and features often mistaken as "must-haves" that can actually drive up costs without adding value.
5. The Value of Doing It Right: Gardens built with intention, sustainability, and the right support become worth every dollar.

Resources:

• Previous related episodes: Episode 6 and Episode 7 for ideas on classroom gardens.
• Links to more resources for teachers: https://www.kidsgrowingcity.ca/Gardening-for-Elementary-Teachers