By Rodil Capobres
Of our many years in teaching, my wife and I have been able to start two school gardens: one in Texarkana, TX and the other in New Orleans, LA. From experience, I can say that there are only two requirements when starting a garden: a determined will and your faithful commitment.
There are great benefits to gardening. It enables students to grow mentally, physically, and academically. It encourages physical activity and exposure to vitamin D which strengthens the bones and the immune system. Gardening takes the mind off stressors and schoolwork, refreshes the mind, and prepares students for the remainder of the day’s lessons.
Being in the presence of nature and tending to it allows the gardener to experience God through His creation. “He alone who recognizes in nature his Father’s handiwork, who in the richness and beauty of the earth reads the Father’s handwriting-he alone learns from the things of nature their deepest lessons, and receives their highest ministry.” (Education, 119.3).
From the beginning of time, God has intended for us to tend to a garden of our own. “The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it.” (Genesis 2:15, ESV).
To start a garden, you must decide upon these questions:
• Will we be using the soil on school grounds or an external garden bed with store- bought soil?
• When will we begin this garden? (the season of the year will determine the type of plants you will grow)
• What plant(s) will we be growing?
With the answers to the questions above and the approval of your school board, you may begin your school garden!
Here are the basic steps:
1. Prepare your soil. The nutrients your plants require will determine the type of soil you will need. If you will be using the grounds of your school, it will be faster and easier if a tractor is used to prime your school’s new toiling grounds. If this is not an option, students can use shovels to prepare the ground. Garden beds tend to be simpler and easier. With these, you can choose exactly what type of soil you would like to use; it does not require any tilling. Of course, there are pros and cons to each option.
2. Plant your seedlings or seeds. All plants have different needs. Some may need to be planted deeper and some more superficial. Some require a larger distance from the next plant, and some do not require as much. We recommend doing your own research on your plants and their varying requirements.
3. Care for your garden. Remove unwanted weeds and water them according to the demand of each plant. Use fertilizer if this is desired.
4. Harvest your plants! You may have students celebrate their harvest by taking them home and/or selling them as a fundraiser.
The reward is not only in the harvest, but also in the process. Gardening teaches students responsibility, care for nature, and the rewards of hard work! With your determination and commitment to this project in partnership with God’s great providence, your garden will be a success and a blessing to you, your students, their families, and the community.
White, E. (1903). Education. Mountain View, CA: Pacific Press Publishing Company.
