Creating Independent School Gardens
4-H and Youth Programming
Mariah Simoneaux
Extension Agent - Horticulture
LSU Agricultural Center
Gonzales
Abstract
The benefits of school gardens are well documented; however like all gardens, they require a great deal of work and attention to remain successful. For extension agents involved in school garden programming, caring for multiple school gardens and communicating with numerous teachers can become immensely time consuming. Over the last several years our Ascension Parish LSU AgCenter school garden team and volunteers have worked to encourage teachers and students so they feel confident working in the school garden. This is being accomplished by utilizing our master gardener volunteers, incorporating an annual teacher workshop, and using grant funds. More independence in the school gardens has allowed us to grow our school garden program and become more efficient with our time.
Authors: Mariah Simoneaux
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Mariah Simoneaux Extension Agent - Horticulture, LSU AgCenter, Louisiana, 70737