Soil, Watering and Garden Care
The better the soil, the better the garden will grow!
Growing in a container requires a different soil mix than growing in the ground. With time, topsoil/garden soil will become compacted when used in a pot or container, such as a stock tank, making the soil hard, dry and unable to grow healthy plants. If your container soil seems compacted, it's time to churn it up and mix in lighter materials.
Mulch
Mulch can be used in gardens to help retain moisture around plants and cover paths and walkways. Tub-ground mulch and peeler mulch are suitable for food gardens. Unlike wood chip mulch, these types of mulch will not get stuck in the lawn mower. To order, a caretaker can submit a notification to the school’s Grounds Team Leader for tub-ground mulch.
Watering
Once the seeds and/or plants are planted, water the soil to help seeds germinate and to help seedlings establish roots. To keep the soil moist, water about twice a week. Depending on the weather, you may need to water more or less frequently. During dry periods, vegetables and fruit will need an inch or more of water each week during fruiting.
Rain barrels are not permitted on TDSB school grounds due to health and safety concerns.
Weeding
Weeding is as important as watering. Weeding helps to make sure your food crops have space to grow and are not overtaken by weeds. As soon as there is space in your garden, weeds will grow in the exposed areas. When weeding the garden, make sure to pull weeds at the base of the plant and pull out as much of the roots as possible. Weeding is easier when the soil is wet. The drier the soil, the harder it will be to remove the roots.
Removing Invasive Plants:
Teaching students about the invasive species in a classroom setting helps students learn important skills and concepts while developing a sense of responsibility and stewardship for the environment.
For more information:
CAUTION! POISON IVY
Poison ivy is highly toxic. Do not attempt to remove it yourself. Contact your TDSB Grounds Team Leader if you find poison ivy on your school ground.
For more information:
Invasive species commonly found on TDSB school grounds
Poison Ivy
Garlic Mustard
Dog-Strangling Vine
European Buckthorn
White Mulberry
Norway Maple
Siberian Elm
Tree Of Heaven
Black Locust Tree
Bind Weed/Vine
Garden Signage
Create signs that clearly communicate the intent of the garden. Many schools have found that signs made by children are particularly successful in discouraging vandalism and helping to foster positive engagement with the community.
