School Gardens
Jefferson County is currently in a drought.
Please follow your local municipality's water restrictions.
See below for tips.
School gardens have innumerable benefits to both students and staff. School gardens can be used as an outdoor classroom, a place for students to connect with nature, engage in physical activity and learn where their food comes from. School gardens help encourage teamwork, individual responsibility and commitment to success. When students get their own hands dirty, they are more willing to try new foods, especially fruits and vegetables.
Jeffco Public Schools has over 50 gardens on school property and partners with local non-profits such as Denver Urban Gardens and Jovial Concepts to support these gardens' development and ongoing education.
All schools must comply with Jeffco School Garden Guidelines. Whether you are starting or maintaining your garden, follow these guidelines to ensure compliance with district requirements.
Smart Watering: Drought Rules & Tips
Keep your garden thriving while staying compliant. Follow these quick rules and best practices to maximize every drop:
Know Your Local Rules:
- Check Your City: Drought levels and watering days vary by city; always check your local water provider's website.
- Watch for Shifts: Restrictions change fast as drought worsens; review your municipality's rules monthly.
- Follow the Strict Rules: Local municipal mandates always override general gardening advice.
The Ground Rules:
- Watch the Clock: Never water between 10am and 6pm to prevent evaporation.
- Control the Flow: Use a hose with a shut off trigger nozzle or a drip system.
- Prioritize Food: Hand-watering vegetable gardens is typically allowed any day- lawns are restricted.
Maximizing Efficiency:
- Water the Roots: Aim your nozzle at the base of the plant, not the leaves.
- Water Deeply: Water longer but less frequently to encourage deep, resilient roots.
Garden Curriculum and Resources
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Kids Gardening: Connecting the Garden to the Classroom
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Garden Tips for Beginners (Thank you, Liam!)
Starting a School Garden
Are you interested in building a garden at your school? The first step is to talk with your school's principal and get approval for this project. Then you can schedule a call with Kristina Kain to discuss your garden project. Kristina will walk you through the process of developing a garden team, connecting with community resources, and navigating facilities.
Connecting with the Garden Community
Subscribe to the garden newsletter for updates about Jeffco school and community gardens.
If you are interested in connecting with your school garden community, join the Garden Networking Group in Google Classroom.
Contact Us
Kristina Kain
Email: kristina.kain@jeffco.k12.co.us