Implementing and Sustaining School Gardens by Integrating the Curriculum

Objective: We sought to determine how teachers integrate and utilize school gardens to meet educational objectives and create meaningful academic, health, and psychosocial learning experiences for students. Methods: We conducted surveys and interviews with participants at 21 elementary and middle schools in New York City during 2013-2014. Results: Teachers emphasized the importance of utilizing or creating standards-based garden lessons to meet the demands of the current assessment-based educational environment. However, lack of horticultural knowledge and time to develop educational materials were cited as barriers limiting garden implementation. Conclusions: Policies are necessary to provide critical resources (like time for garden-related professional development and collaboration) to build capacity within schools to integrate and sustain gardens.