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Celebrate National Gardening Month

Gardens have played an essential role in the history of human culture. They have provided us with food, locations for leisure, and more. In celebration of the 20th anniversary of National Gardening Month, we are sharing ten resources to help you teach your students about gardens. 

Grades K-12

Seed Exchange

Seed Exchange offers a way to get new seeds for your classroom or school garden and donate any extra seeds you have in your possession. Use this site to show students the importance of not throwing away leftover seeds, but repurposing and sharing instead.

Grades K-12

Garden Activity Guide: Soil

In this lesson plan, students use analysis techniques to learn about different soil types and examine the relationship between plant growth and healthy soil. Discover links to additional resource materials, including videos and extension activities.

Grades 2-7

Flowers Seeking Pollinators

Try out this lesson plan that incorporates actual data to teach students about plant reproduction and how pollinators are attracted to different types of flowers. The heart of the lesson has students create an imaginary garden.

Grades 3-8

Kids Gardening

If you’re still looking for outdoor gardening space, take advantage of these ideas for indoor gardens, such as terrariums and container gardening. Check out the extensive lesson library to search by theme, standards, season, and more.

Grades K-5

Life Lab

Learn about gardening using these free resources. Begin at the section for educators and slide to gardening resources (where you’ll find resources for planning a garden) and professional resources, which includes archived webinar recordings.

Grades K-6

How Does Your Garden Grow? A Project-Based Approach to Learning

Discover recommended books related to gardening (many with links for activities related to the book), background knowledge, a section on gathering information, suggested activities for growing your garden, standards, and more.

Grades 4-12

Plants Map

Plants Map is an online resource for plant enthusiasts that allows you to create communities and personal plant libraries and map personal gardens. If you are lucky enough to have a school garden, this is the perfect site for planning and documenting.

Grades K-12

Project Budburst

Join Project Budburst and become part of a community of citizen scientists! Collect plant data, learn about climate change, and participate by posting your findings. Record the observations of the first leafing, first flower, and other details.

Grades K-12

Get Your Hands Dirty Guide

Download this packet for specific information on enhancing learning opportunities by nurturing growing things. This guide provides tips and directions for getting started for a variety of situations, including places with little or no land.

Grades K-12

School Garden Resource Center

Find resources for starting a school garden or supporting an existing garden at the School Garden Resource Center. Share information from this site with your school's parent/teacher organization to gain support and possible funding for a garden project.

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