School Gardens 
Formed in 1999, the San Diego Regional School Garden Resource Center (RC) assists K-12 educators interested in using the garden as a tool to teach nutrition, agriculture, nature, and other school subjects in science, math, writing, reading, art, music, and others. The RC acts as a resource clearinghouse for teachers and school districts interested in garden-based nutrition education. The RC provides practical training, ongoing support and related resources for educators interested in programs aimed at encouraging students to appreciate fresh food and learn about the whole food cycle. The San Diego Regional School Garden Resource Center operates through a contract with the California Department of Education.
Olivewood Gardens and Learning Center
The Olivewood Gardens and Learning Center is a ½ acre urban, organic garden located in National City, California. This program is a partnership established in 2009 between the International Community Foundation Center and the Resource Conservation District of Greater San Diego County (RCD). The Mission of the Olivewood Gardens and Learning
Center is to connect and motivate students and families from diverse backgrounds through organic gardening, environmental stewardship, and nutrition education, empowering them to be healthy and active citizens. Our Vision is to reconnect students and families to the natural environment through food, education and community engagement.
More detail about the program can be found on the website of the International Community Foundation Center.
Plant Giveaway
Each spring, the Resource Center organizes an annual give-away of herbs and veggie seedlings from Altman Plants of Vista. The 2010 Giveaway will take place on Tuesday April 13, 2010. One hundred teachers will receive a flat of robust warm season seedlings including peppers, tomatoes, herbs, and more. Register now for your flat of seedlings by downloading and submitting this registration form.
Photo: Plants waiting for pick-up in front of Casita Elementary’s school garden in Vista.
Promoting School Garden Sustainability
How do you sustain a school garden over multiple years, after that one passionate parent has “graduated”, or your grant money runs out? Several schools have found ways to fund their programs and to actively engage children and teachers in using the garden year after year.
To read more about how seven San Diego County schools have sustained their garden programs for more than 5 years, read this article, “Plant Good People and Cultivate Relationships,” based on interviews of staff, parents, and volunteers.
Teacher Training Workshops –
1. “Creating and Sustaining Your School Garden”
This hands-on organic gardening workshop is perfect for anyone who would like to learn more about school garden practicalities, ranging from garden design to irrigation and pest management, to curriculum connections. This is a comprehensive, intensive introduction which will help you start your school garden program next year on the right foot! If you would like to bring this training program to your school district or site, please call (619)562-0096 for more information.
2. Fresh Fruits and Vegetables:
A Centerpiece for a Healthy School Environment
Offered in partnership with the California Department of Education, Santa Cruz Life Lab, and the UC Davis Children’s Garden Program. This two part training provides tools to support an increase of fresh fruits and vegetables on school campuses through fun, interactive, and skill-building activities. For a schedule of upcoming workshop locations and dates, visit www.healthyschoolenvironment.org.
Newsletter
"Gardening with Class” was the name of our biannual newsletter, mailed to all schools in the county every fall and spring. In the fall of 2009, the resource center transitioned to a monthly electronic newsletter. If you would like to add your email address to our mailing list, please call (619) 562-0096. Download past editions of the printed newsletters below:
Most recent! -> February 2010 San Diego School Gardens E-Newletter
Archived newsletters:
Fall 2009 Newsletter (PDF 588k)
Fall 2008 Newsletter (PDF 492k)
Spring 2008 Newsletter (PDF 2MB)
Fall 2007 newsletter (PDF 289k)
Spring 2007 newsletter (PDF 389k)
The San Diego Regional School Garden Resource Center is a member of the California School Garden Network.
To view links to other San Diego organizations that support school gardens, click here.