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The OSSE School Garden Planting Guide is for DC educators looking for a curated collection of high-quality resources on planting, maintaining, and enhancing their school garden. The materials included offer guidance on native plant selection, garden care, instructional tools, and professional learning opportunities.

OSSE SCHOOL GARDEN PLANTING CALANDER

Garden Care Guides

Click on the linked text below to hyperlink to the resource described.

• University of Maryland Extension: An extensive list of resources to support the growing of fruits, vegetables, flowers, native plants, and herbs.
• University of Minnesota Extension: Resources to support growing a wide range of plants with specific guidance on starting seeds.
• Virginia Cooperative Extension: Guidance on starting and caring for edible plants.
• OSSE School Garden Guide: Recommendations for establishing a new school garden program, maintaining an existing school garden program, and using the school garden for instruction.

Sourcing Seeds and Plant Materials

• Renee’s Garden Seeds: Reliable seeds which can be ordered directly or found in local hardware stores.
• High Mowing Organic Seeds: The Organic Seed Donation Program donates seed packets to organizations that provide farm and nutrition education. Fill out the online application to request a donation here.
• Seed Savers Exchange: The Herman’s Garden Seed Donation Program supports “established community and educational groups that will freely share their harvest and save seed for others in need.” Application and instructions for applying can be found here.
• Southern Exposure Seed Exchange: May donate seeds; reach out to the office using the “Contact Us” tab on their webpage.
• Friend of the National Arboretum Plant Sales: Annual seasonal events that include regional plant vendors.

Native Plant Recommendations

• United States Botanic Garden: Native plant recommendations.
• District Department of Energy and the Environment: Native Plants for District Gardens.

Lessons and Activities

• KidsGardening Resources: Lesson library including thousands of lessons compiled from educators across the country.
• FRESHFARM FoodPrints Curriculum: Hands-on, interdisciplinary lessons tied to academic standards.
• Edible Schoolyard Resource Library: Large selection of lessons focused on cooking and edible gardens.
• OSSE School Garden Guide; Providing High-Quality Garden-Based Instruction: Includes guidance on the essential elements for garden-based teaching.
• City Blossoms Resources: Includes activities and guidance for educators to bring their garden to life.

Classes and Training

• University of the District of Columbia Master Gardener Program
• OSSE School Garden Trainings
• United States Botanic Garden Education Programs
• Smithsonian Teacher Programs
• DC Urban Gardener Network: A hub and guide to a wealth of urban agriculture, environmental, sustainability, food access and nutrition organizations, events and resources in our community.
• Rooting DC: Rooting DC is the District’s central meeting ground for individuals, nonprofits, businesses, and government entities looking to grow gardens and a healthier food system in the nation’s capital.