Q: Who is eligible for Project Learning Garden?
A: Public schools in the following school districts, and who serve students grades K-8, are eligible for Project Learning Garden: Atlanta metro area districts (Atlanta Public Schools, Cobb County Schools, DeKalb County Schools, Fulton County Schools, Gwinnett County Schools, Henry County Schools, Clayton County Schools, Fayette County Schools, Marietta City Schools, and City Schools of Decatur) in Georgia; All school districts in Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, and Ventura Counties in CA.
Q: What if my school is outside of those regions?
A: Schools outside these regions are able to purchase the Project Learning Garden program if they’re interested. Please contact us for more information. Additionally, Captain Planet Foundation partners with Dole Packaged Foods and regional grocery retailer chains to offer Project Learning Garden contests in the fall and spring. Keep an eye on your local grocery stores’ social media channels as well as ours to see if we’re holding a contest in your area!
Q: What about private schools?
A: Private schools are able to purchase Project Learning Garden for their students.
Q: What if my school already has a garden?
A: You are still eligible! For schools that already have an existing garden, we still provide all of the assets (lessons, supplies, mobile cooking cart, etc. ) AND 1) we can provide five (5) additional beds to expand your garden, if you can demonstrate the ability to manage a larger garden space; or 2) we can offer a $500 credit to purchase supplies to enhance your existing garden through our partnership with Gardener’s Supply.
Q: What are our obligations if we receive the grant?
A: When a school accepts the Project Learning Garden grant, the school agrees to: 1) Complete and submit a school-level garden planner; 2) Have three teachers complete online training; 3) Support teachers using the garden as a regular instructional space; 4) File any necessary paperwork through their facilities team for their garden; 5) Arrange for a few volunteers to help install the garden; and 6) Respond to surveys sent out by CPF from time to time.
Q: When will we get plants and seeds?
A: The Project Learning Garden curriculum kit provides a set of seeds for your school garden, which is great to get started. We would also recommend reaching out to local garden centers and garden clubs to get plants and seeds donated.
Q: How often will Captain Planet Foundation visit the school and the garden?
A: Ultimately, our goal is to give teachers and schools the skills they need to maintain their own gardens and take learning outside on their own. However, we may be able to connect schools with volunteers from local organizations or businesses, Master Gardeners, or others who can be of assistance – so feel free to reach out for guidance or suggestions on connecting with community resources.
Q: How do we care for the garden over the long term?
A: We find that the most successful schools have a strong garden team that works with the PTA and administrators to help create a strategy for the garden. The School Garden Planner helps guide planning and maintenance decisions and should be kept updated to ensure your garden continues to flourish.