Workshop Details
The third workshop in the Lifecycle series, Garden Maintenance, was held on Wednesday, May 18, 2022. This workshop provided the skills, resources, tools and connections to carry a school garden from planting to harvesting, from June into school meals in September. The Garden Maintenance workshop featured expert guidance on each aspect of caring for the school garden, supportive group discussions, time to trade information and ideas with other school staff, food safety and self-care tips, and included a celebration of Wisconsin School Garden Day!
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Gain knowledge and resources to maintain a school garden throughout the summer months
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Assess tools and materials needed to maintain a school garden
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Understand the importance of observation in determining the garden maintenance needs
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Gain knowledge on what impacts the health of your school garden and food production
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Learn about self-care and safety to ensure a joyful garden experience
Benefits of Garden Maintenance
Food Service Benefits
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Healthier plants = better yields and more foods for your school meals
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Sense of self sufficiency for your school meals program
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Sustains school gardens through summer months
General Benefits
- Physical benefits of fresh air & movement
- Emotional benefits of mood, self-esteem and attention span
- Agricultural and Nutritional education
- Community engagement
- Building Life Skills
Resources
Garden Maintenance In a Nutshell
Garden Maintenance Action Plan
Garden Maintenance Presentation: the full PowerPoint presentation from the live workshop
USDA School Garden Food Safety Memo
Produce Growing Information E-Learning: learn maintenance tips for growing a variety of vegetables and fruit
The Basics of Drip Irrigation Webinar
Wisconsin Irrigation Scheduling Plans
Watering Calculation by Irrigation Method
Foundations in Agriculture - Weeding: UW-Extension Master Gardener's training available to the public
Guide to Vegetable Garden Pests
Small Grants for School Gardens: a short list of granting agencies, focus areas and amounts.