15: Unlock Cost-Saving Design Secrets for Your School Garden Pitch: Permaculture Techniques and Budgeting Tips Every Teacher Needs to Know

School Gardens with Ease

In this final installment of our series on pitching your annual vegetable school garden, we're diving deep into two essential topics that will take your garden proposal to the next level: cost-effective garden design and budgeting strategies.

Join Leila Mireskandari as she reveals powerful permaculture design techniques, like Hugelkultur and sheet mulching, that can transform your school garden into a regenerative, water-conserving powerhouse—all while staying within budget. Learn why curvy, natural garden designs outperform traditional straight rows and discover how to source materials like wood and soil for free or at minimal cost.

Leila also tackles the crucial aspect of budgeting for your garden project. From seeds and soil to the often-overlooked need for high-quality lesson plans, she breaks down exactly what you need to include in your budget to ensure your garden is both educational and sustainable. Plus, find out which commonly purchased garden items are a complete waste of money and what to invest in instead.

Don't miss this episode if you're ready to pitch a school garden project that impresses funders, engages students, and keeps costs low!

Key Takeaways:

• Why you should embrace natural curves in your garden design.
• How Hugelkultur can drastically reduce your garden's water needs and build rich soil over time.
• The benefits of sheet mulching and how it can save you from digging up grass.
• Essential items to include in your garden budget—and what to avoid.
• The critical role of lesson plans in making your garden a true educational experience.

Links & Resources:

• Download the summary PDF of this 5-episode series [Link in show notes].
• Learn more about the Oasis Series programs for ready-to-use lesson plans, student booklets, and classroom wall posters: https://www.kidsgrowingcity.ca/links-oasis-programs
• Guide to setting up a watering chest for your garden: https://www.kidsgrowingcity.ca/offers/c5FtFUCe/checkout
• Hugelkultur Guide:
  https://www.kidsgrowingcity.ca/offers/8WLA6Gpd/checkout
• Contact Leila at [e-mail] for personalized advice or questions.

Subscribe & Review: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review! Your feedback helps us reach more teachers who are passionate about school gardens.