Below are the trainings offered by the OSSE School Gardens Program to support garden-based teaching and learning in District schools.
School Garden 101 Training
This training was created by OSSE as a helpful guide for school-based staff interested in learning more about the process of creating a school garden.
There are four components to this training:
1) Establishing a New School Garden
2) Maintaining an Existing School Garden Program
3) Providing High-Quality Garden Based Instruction
4) Glossary and Resources
Training participants are invited to engage with the sections of the training that best apply to their goals, and have the ability to navigate between the sections in the order they choose.
Access the School Garden 101 training here.
The Summer Institute for Garden-based Teaching
Overview
The Summer Institute for Garden-Based Teaching is a four-day training, consisting of 30 hours of intensive in-person training for 40 grade K-5 District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) and public charter school teachers.
Application Deadline and Notification of Acceptance
Applications for the 2025 Summer Institute for Garden-based Teaching are now closed. If you would like to receive an email when the application for the 2026 Summer Institute for Garden-based Teaching is available, please complete the short form below.
Summer Institute for Garden-based Teaching interest form.
Eligible Participants
- Are employed by a DC public or public charter school (teacher, staff, or administrator) that has an existing school garden program
- Must apply with at least one other school team member
- Commit to attend all 30 hours of the institute
All participants receive a stipend. Stipend amounts are contingent upon finalized funding.
Participants will learn:
- Outdoor group management techniques
- Garden-based lessons across content areas that connect to the K-5 Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and Common Core State Standards
- How to sustain a school garden program
- Basics of garden design and maintenance
- Benefits of garden-based learning and teaching
Outdoor Learning Gatherings
Outdoor Learning Gatherings are for educators seeking resources and inspiration to engage students in activities that benefit from being outdoors and nature.
Are you…
- A DC educator interested in connecting with others who are passionate about engaging with students outdoors?
- Searching for resources and best practices centered around outdoor learning that you can incorporate into your teaching practice?
- Looking to deepen your students’ personal relationship to place through experiences that connect to locally relevant content?
… Then Outdoor Learning Gatherings are for YOU!
What educators have said about their experience at Outdoor Learning Gatherings:
“Learning and connecting with other garden coordinators is wonderful!”
“Super welcoming and friendly gathering, great to chat with the outdoor education community!”
“The information and the hands-on demonstrations were very engaging and inspiring!”
“I really enjoyed the wildflower activity and the socializing with other educators.”
2025-26 Outdoor Gathering Sessions:
This year OSSE is promoting existing trainings led by organizations that provide high-quality garden-based trainings to DC educators.
School Garden Tour
Oct. 25, 2025, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Hosted by: OSSE
Register here.
Anyone interested in learning more about school gardens should attend! We will visit a few school gardens, hear from school garden educators about how the space is used, and explore the garden spaces. This tour is a part of DC School Garden Week.
Introductory Coaching Session: Garden Design and People Power
Nov. 18, 2025, 4:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Hosted by: City Blossoms
Register here.
If you could dream BIG, how would your school garden look and feel? In this session, we’ll explore creative and kid-driven ways to design a garden that reflects your school’s unique needs. We’ll share basic garden design elements, rules of thumb, and strategies for making sustainable choices that work for your space.
But a great garden isn’t built on plants and pathways alone; it’s powered by people! We’ll talk through how to get buy-in from your school community, build a strong garden committee, and engage folks in ways that keep the garden thriving for years to come.
Come ready to imagine, sketch, and share ideas that will support your school in keeping its garden blooming.
Introductory Coaching Session: Planting Plans and Organizing a Community Workday
Feb. 3, 2026, 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Hosted by: City Blossoms
Register here.
Wondering what to plant in your school garden come spring? In this session, we’ll explore creative ways to plan your spring planting while keeping sustainability at the forefront. We’ll share tips on what to grow when, resources to guide your planning, and strategies for making the most of your garden space.
But planting is just the beginning; our community is what makes the garden thrive! We’ll explore how to organize engaging garden workdays, from setting clear goals to ensuring everyone feels included and valued. Come ready with your garden layout, design, or a few photos of your space. We’ll sketch, plan, and leave you with tools to support a successful planting and workday season.
DC Teachers’ Night: An Environmental Education Evening
Feb. 26, 2026, 6 - 8 p.m.
Hosted by: The United States Botanic Garden, Friends of the US Botanic Garden, and the DC Environmental Education Consortium
Registration will be available closer to the event.
Join us at the US Botanic Garden Conservatory for the 19th annual DC Teachers' Night. Connect with DC-area environmental education organizations and find ways to get your students learning about the natural world and how to bring the environment into the classroom! Learn from an amazing community about field trip experiences, professional learning opportunities, and resources.
The event is free, but registration is required. Light refreshments will be served. Certificates of Participation available for professional development units (PDUs).
Spring into School Gardening
March 21, 2026
Hosted by: Friends of the National Arboretum
Additional information will be available closer to the training date.
Introductory Coaching Session: Garden Maintenance 101
April 7, 2026, 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Hosted by: City Blossoms
Register here.
Once the beds are built and the seeds are planted, how do we help our garden thrive? This session, we'll explore introductory maintenance skills for school gardens. We'll talk planting strategies, pest management, watering routines, harvesting tips, and so much more!
A thriving garden isn’t just about plants; it’s about planning for long-term success! We'll support you in creating a maintenance plan that works for your school community, balancing seasonal tasks with sustainability and student engagement.
Introductory Coaching Session: Cooking with Youth and Community
May 12, 2026, 4:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Hosted by: City Blossoms
Register here.
Who doesn’t love a good snack and the joy of sharing it with others? This session explores recipe making with young chefs, highlighting favorite tools, techniques, and approaches to family-style dining, whether indoors or outdoors in the garden. We'll share tips and tricks to guide students through interactive cooking experiences and make food fun and engaging.
But cooking is about more than just the recipe; it’s about connection! We'll take a moment to celebrate together, reflect on what we've learned, and hopefully leave inspired to continue this amazing garden work with students and our school communities.
Spring 2026
Additional information will be available closer to the training date.
Rooting DC
Hosted by: District Department of Energy and Environment
Engaging Students with Plant Science
Hosted by: The United States Botanic Garden
Fall into School Gardening
Hosted by: Friends of the National Arboretum
Engaging Students with Plant Science
Hosted by: The United States Botanic Garden
Interested in hosting or presenting at an upcoming gathering? Do you want to share information about your program at an upcoming gathering? Do you have a topic you want to talk about? Do you want to host a gathering at your school or teaching site? Let us know by completing this short survey. A small stipend will be provided to speakers.