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The materials listed below are recommended for TDSB schools starting or maintaining a garden project, and are readily available from TDSB approved vendors. While specific item costs may be subject to change, these resources will help you plan a realistic garden budget.
There are a variety of ways schools can fund a garden project including fundraising and grant opportunities.
For more information:
Raised containers provide an accessible and durable solution for raised planters and small sandboxes.
Metal raised beds (without bottoms) are preferred for pollinator plants as roots can enter the ground and are self-draining.
Stock tanks (with bottoms) are great for food gardens, can be used for annuals, perennials and shrubs as well as for sandboxes. Additional holes are to be drilled for better drainage.
Either type also provide interesting opportunities for painted art projects. Both are made of galvanized steel that ensures long-lasting and durable solutions for outdoor features.
Storage units can provide a valuable space within outdoor classrooms and play areas to store loose parts, equipment and tools. Storage units come in many different forms and varieties, ranging in size, material, and price. When choosing a storage unit keep in mind the kind and quantity of objects that will be stored inside. This will help to determine the best size of the unit for your space.
For more information:
Purchasing Storage Units
Tools
Tools
There are a few key tools that will help your school community maintain the garden. These include tools for watering, weeding, planting, and moving soil and mulch. Consider purchasing a class set of items like garden gloves and spades to facilitate classes getting outside to help in the garden.
The items below can be found at most garden centers including TDSB-approved vendors; Home Depot (west - #18646, east - #230), Rona (vendor #383), Sheridan Nurseries (west - #19624, central - #1202, east - #4212) and Lee Valley (vendor #7040).
Hose
Watering cans
Buckets
Shovels/ spades
Wheelbarrow/ garden cart
Garden gloves
Seeds, Plants & Bagged Soil
Seeds, Plants & Bagged Soil
Native plants:
Native Plants in Claremont (vendor #4235; they offer a 15 minute consultation in April to help plan your garden and order plants. Email info@nativeplants.ca)
Verbinnens Nursery (vendor #3899)
Seeds:
Stokes Seeds (vendor #3829)
Ontario Seed Company (vendor #2428)
Bagged compost, manure, seeds, and plants:
Sheridan Nurseries (vendor #4212)
Home Depot (vendor #230)
JVK Ltd. (vendor #9173)
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