School Gardens with Ease (Leila)

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COMING SOON! I'm Leila Mireskandari, the founder and director of Kids Growing City, a non-profit with the mission to teach the next generation how to grow their own food!
I have dedicated over a decade of my life to supporting teachers to grow classroom and school gardens, full-time, have studied in this field, have written countless growing lesson plans and built many growing programs.
And I'm on a mission to help Elementary and Middle School Teachers...

... TEACH their flourishing, producing, and empowering classroom and school gardens into existence!

With EASE!
And WOTHOUT the usual hassles!
I wanna show you that this is much easier than you could ever imagine, if you do it right! 

YOU can do this!

Whether you are a seasoned school garden grower or a complete newbie, I've got you covered with expert advice, tips, tricks, tactics and techniques to make growing food with your class super easy, fun, and rewarding!

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In this episode we get into the story behind School Gardens with East podcast, why you might wanna listen to it as a teacher, and how it could help you.

In case you are interested in following this work elsewhere or are interested in getting in contact outside this podcast, here are some information:

Kids Growing City website:
http://kidsgrowingcity.com
Link to School Garden programs:
https://www.kidsgrowingcity.ca/Gardening-for-Elementary-Teachers
Social media:
@kidsgrowingcity
@schoolgardensforteachers

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In this episode, we will discuss the difference between Community Gardens and School Gardens and why you should never pitch the idea of a school garden as a community garden.

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In this episode, we will continue to discuss the difference between Community Gardens and School Gardens and why you should never pitch the idea of a school garden as a community garden.

As this is Part 2 of this topic, I encourage you to listen to the previous episode first so this episode makes more sense to you.

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In this episode of School Gardens with Ease podcast we focus on the topic of summer maintenance.
Here are the two downloads that I promise you in this episode.
Guide to a School Garden with Almost No Summer Maintenance:
https://www.kidsgrowingcity.ca/school-gardens-with-almost-no-summer-maintenance-free-guide
My Recommended List of Seeds for Schools:
https://www.kidsgrowingcity.ca/get-seed-list-gift-for-teachers

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In this episode we focus on the most important summer maintenance chore, watering.

Here are the links and downloads I promise you in the episode:

Watering Chest Guide:
https://www.kidsgrowingcity.ca/offers/c5FtFUCe/checkout
Hugelkultur Guide:
https://www.kidsgrowingcity.ca/offers/8WLA6Gpd/checkout
Caja Planters:
https://www.thegrowingconnection.com/
Caja Oasis School Gardening Program:
https://www.kidsgrowingcity.ca/cajaoasis2025
Amazon finds:
Watering clay spikes
Olla Pots

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In this episode let's talk about how overrated outdoor school gardens and those expensive equipment indoor gardens are!
How inaccessible and out of reach they are to most teachers and how unfair it is that majority of students don't have the chance to learn how to grow their own veggies because of that.

To learn more about my Oasis Suite of programs you can visit the following link:
https://www.kidsgrowingcity.ca/links-oasis-programs

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Classroom gardens are underrated.
More teachers should grow them and more people should talk about them. So let's talk about them in this episode:

Here are the links I mentioned in this episode:

My Recommended List of Seeds for Schools:
https://www.kidsgrowingcity.ca/get-seed-list-gift-for-teachers

The Sub-irrigated Indoor seed Starting Guide:
https://www.kidsgrowingcity.ca/offers/pZ2cNrYj/checkout

To learn more about my Oasis Suite of programs you can visit the following link:
https://www.kidsgrowingcity.ca/links-oasis-programs

Growveg.com garden planner:
https://www.growveg.com/

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In this episode we answer the question, who should grow the school garden.
Cause it seems like a lot of work and those who do it seem to struggle a lot. Should it be the teachers? The parents? Vendors and Community Partners?

My Recommended List of Seeds for Schools:
https://www.kidsgrowingcity.ca/get-seed-list-gift-for-teachers

To learn more about my Oasis Suite of programs you can visit the following link:
https://www.kidsgrowingcity.ca/links-oasis-programs

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In this episode we will talk about what to do if you were given an old garden and was told to take over, revive and use it. Or if you discovered an old garden and decided to take over, revive and use it.

My Recommended List of Seeds for Schools:
https://www.kidsgrowingcity.ca/get-seed-list-gift-for-teachers

Indoor Seed Starting in Schools guide:
https://www.kidsgrowingcity.ca/offers/pZ2cNrYj/checkout

To learn more about my Oasis Suite of programs you can visit the following link:
https://www.kidsgrowingcity.ca/links-oasis-programs

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In this episode we will talk about how not to engage your community in your school garden project and how to do it properly and at the right time.
This goes against the grain but is something we should talk about.

My Recommended List of Seeds for Schools:
https://www.kidsgrowingcity.ca/get-seed-list-gift-for-teachers

Indoor Seed Starting in Schools guide:
https://www.kidsgrowingcity.ca/offers/pZ2cNrYj/checkout

To learn more about my Oasis Suite of programs you can visit the following link:
https://www.kidsgrowingcity.ca/links-oasis-programs

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n this episode of the "School Gardens with Ease" podcast, host Leila Mireskandari dives into the first part of a crucial topic: how to create a compelling proposal for an educational food garden at your school. This episode, the first in a multi-part series, focuses on the foundational elements you need to make your pitch irresistible to school decision-makers like principals, directors, school board committees, and parent councils.

Episode Highlights:

• Introduction to School Garden Proposals: Learn why it’s important to craft a solid proposal or presentation, especially if you need approvals, funding, or other forms of support.
• Key Elements of Your Proposal:
  1. Type of Garden: Why an annual vegetable garden is the best choice for educational purposes, and how it stands out from other garden types like pollinator gardens or fruit orchards.
  2. The "Why" of Your Garden: Detailed benefits of a school garden, including its role as a versatile educational tool, its hands-on experiential learning opportunities, and its potential for fostering teamwork, empathy, and environmental stewardship.

Leila also emphasizes the empowering nature of food gardening, offering students a tangible way to contribute to environmental solutions. By the end of this episode, you'll be equipped to start building a proposal that not only secures support but also turns stakeholders into enthusiastic advocates for your school garden project.

Tune in next week as Leila continues with the detailed plan and budget components of your school garden proposal.

Resources Mentioned:

• My Recommended List of Seeds for Schools:
  https://www.kidsgrowingcity.ca/get-seed-list-gift-for-teachers
• Indoor Seed Starting in Schools guide:
  https://www.kidsgrowingcity.ca/offers/pZ2cNrYj/checkout
• To learn more about my Oasis Suite of programs you can visit the following link:
  https://www.kidsgrowingcity.ca/links-oasis-programs

Don’t miss this insightful guide to making your school garden dreams a reality!

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In Episode 12 of the School Gardens with Ease podcast, your host Leila Mireskandari continues the essential discussion on creating a compelling proposal for your annual vegetable school garden project. This episode is part 2 of the series and dives deep into the heart of your proposal: the detailed plan.

Leila explains the critical elements your plan should cover, including the "who," "what," "when," and "where" of your garden project. She emphasizes the importance of ensuring that students, not adults, are at the center of all garden activities, from building to growing. This hands-on involvement is crucial for making your school garden a true educational tool.

In this episode, Leila also breaks down what types of plants to include and avoid in your garden. She provides insights into choosing the right plants that align with the school schedule and growing season, ensuring that your students can enjoy the fruits of their labor before the school year ends or return to a bountiful harvest in the fall.

Whether you're planning an outdoor garden or a classroom garden, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you build a garden that thrives with minimal maintenance over the summer. Leila also highlights her Oasis Classroom program, perfect for those interested in creating a robust indoor garden experience.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• The essential components of a detailed school garden plan
• Why students should be the ones doing all the garden work
• How to select plants that are easy to grow and fit the school calendar
• Tips for minimizing summer maintenance with smart plant choices
• The benefits of classroom gardens and how they can be a great alternative to outdoor gardens

Links Mentioned:

• Episode 6: The Unsung Heroes of School Gardening – Classroom Gardens
• Oasis Classroom Program
• Free Recommended List of Seeds for School Gardens
• GrowVeg.com Garden Planner (7-Day Free Trial)

Tune in to ensure your school garden proposal is complete, compelling, and sets you up for a successful growing season. And don’t forget to join us in the next episode, where we’ll explore the “what to teach” component of your garden plan.

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In Episode 13 of the School Gardens with Ease podcast, host Leila Mireskandari continues her insightful series on how to pitch and plan your annual vegetable school garden project. This episode focuses on one of the most crucial aspects of your proposal: the integration of lesson plans that turn your garden into a powerful educational tool.

Key Takeaways:

• The Core of School Gardens: Discover why lesson plans are essential for transforming a school garden into an educational experience and how they differentiate school gardens from any other garden.
• Budgeting for Educational Success: Understand the often-overlooked cost of developing lesson plans and why it's critical to include these in your garden proposal's budget.
• Strategic Lesson Planning: Leila shares her secret to writing effective garden-related lesson plans—starting with the garden tasks and integrating them with your existing curriculum. Learn how to create a series of lessons that align with the natural schedule of gardening while covering key subjects like science, math, language, arts, and social studies.
• Avoiding Common Pitfalls: Learn why one-off gardening lessons aren't enough and how a well-structured, integrated approach can ensure that your students not only grow a garden but also gain meaningful, curriculum-aligned learning experiences.
• Preparing for Your Pitch: Get tips on how to communicate the importance of lesson plans in your pitch or proposal, setting the stage for a well-rounded, funded, and educationally impactful garden project.

If you're preparing to propose a school garden or looking to enhance your current project with structured educational content, this episode is a must-listen. Stay tuned for the next episode, where Leila will discuss the timing and location of your garden, crucial factors that influence your project’s budget and success.

My Recommended List of Seeds for Schools:
https://www.kidsgrowingcity.ca/get-seed-list-gift-for-teachers

Indoor Seed Starting in Schools guide:
https://www.kidsgrowingcity.ca/offers/pZ2cNrYj/checkout

To learn more about my Oasis Suite of programs you can visit the following link:
https://www.kidsgrowingcity.ca/links-oasis-programs

To figure out the timing of seeds for your growing zone:
Growveg.com

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In Episode 14 of the School Gardens with Ease podcast, Leila Mireskandari continues her deep dive into crafting a winning proposal for your school’s annual vegetable garden project. This episode is a must-listen for teachers ready to transform their classrooms and schools into thriving green spaces that enhance learning across all subjects.

What You’ll Learn:

• Timing is Everything: Discover how to seamlessly integrate garden activities into your daily class schedule without adding extra work or stress.
• Perfect Placement: Learn why the location of your garden is crucial and how to choose a spot that gets optimal sunlight, is easily accessible for watering, and remains visible to foster community support.
• Classroom vs. Outdoor Gardens: Get expert advice on whether to start with a classroom garden or dive straight into an outdoor garden project. Leila shares the benefits and challenges of each, helping you make the best decision for your school.
• Preventing Garden Vandalism: Understand why visibility is key to protecting your garden from vandalism and theft, and how personalized student-made signs can create a sense of community ownership.
• Looking Ahead: Stay tuned for the next episode, where Leila will introduce low-maintenance Permaculture design ideas and budget-friendly tips to help you build a sustainable and impactful school garden.

Whether you're a first-time garden planner or an experienced educator looking to enhance your current project, this episode is packed with practical tips and insights to ensure your school garden proposal is a success. Don’t forget to check out parts 1-3 of this series for a comprehensive guide to pitching and planning your school garden.

My Recommended List of Seeds for Schools:
https://www.kidsgrowingcity.ca/get-seed-list-gift-for-teachers

Indoor Seed Starting in Schools guide:
https://www.kidsgrowingcity.ca/offers/pZ2cNrYj/checkout

To learn more about my Oasis Suite of programs you can visit the following link:
https://www.kidsgrowingcity.ca/links-oasis-programs

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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 Leilam@kidsgrowingcity.ca 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.

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In this episode of School Gardens with Ease, Leila shares creative and engaging gardening activities perfect for fall and winter.
Even without an outdoor garden, you can bring greenery and food-growing projects into your classroom with low-cost, hands-on activities.
Learn about seed stratification, making seed balls, growing microgreens, and more!
These activities are fun, educational, and easy to integrate into your lessons, keeping students connected to nature year-round.

Download the accompanying checklist for all the activities mentioned in this episode:
https://www.kidsgrowingcity.ca/fall-and-winter-gardening-checklist-for-classrooms

And here's Leila's complete course with step by step Lesson Plans, Student Booklets, and Classroom Wall posters plus an optional supplies delivery for Greater Toronto Area schools on this very topic:
https://www.kidsgrowingcity.ca/oasis-fall-and-winter-indoors-2024

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In today’s episode, we're breaking down one of the most confusing aspects of gardening for many teachers: planting seeds. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the timing, spacing, or whether to plant seeds indoors or outdoors, this episode is for you. Leila simplifies the process so you can confidently start your school garden without wasting time on complex details.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• The importance of timing for planting based on your gardening zone
• How to use the free tool at Growveg.com to create a custom planting schedule
• Which seeds need to be planted indoors vs. outdoors (and which don’t like transplanting!)
• Leila’s three fun seed-spacing categories: Sprinkles, 1-Inchers, and 1-Footers
• Why you can ignore the stress around perfect spacing, and how companion planting can save the day
• How to make your garden look lush while conserving water and preventing weeds

Helpful Links:

• Growveg.com – Get your custom planting schedule based on your zone and the seeds you want to grow.
• Leila’s Recommended Seed List for Schools – Click here for a list of easy-to-grow seeds for your classroom garden.
• Learn the best technique for indoor seed starting for classrooms that guarantees your success in growing strong and health seedlings using this Indoor Seed Starting in Schools: PDF Guide

Tune in and gain the confidence to tackle the seed-starting process with ease!

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In this episode of School Gardens with Ease, Leila Mireskandari takes a step back from technical tips to bust the biggest myths about growing a school garden. If you've been overwhelmed by the idea of starting a garden at your school, this episode is for you! Leila goes straight to the heart of five common misconceptions that might be holding you back.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

• Myth 1: The more volunteers, the easier it is – Not necessarily! Learn why too much help can actually create chaos.
• Myth 2: School gardens are hard work – Only if you’re doing it wrong. Leila shares how to simplify the process.
• Myth 3: Growing a school garden requires extra time – Wrong! Discover how to make it part of your teaching without giving up your weekends or afternoons.
• Myth 4: Summer is the growing season, so school gardens don’t make sense – Leila explains why spring and fall are key, not summer.
• Myth 5: You need to know how to grow food to start a school garden – Find out why teaching skills are more important than gardening skills.

Leila shares her decade of experience, offering practical advice that will help you grow your dream teaching garden with ease. Plus, check out her Seed Starting Guide for schools, linked in the show notes, to help you get started strong.

Don’t let myths hold you back from creating an amazing teaching tool for your classroom!

Indoor Seed Starting in Schools guide:
https://www.kidsgrowingcity.ca/offers/pZ2cNrYj/checkout

My Recommended List of Seeds for Schools:
https://www.kidsgrowingcity.ca/get-seed-list-gift-for-teachers

To learn more about my Oasis Suite of programs you can visit the following link:
https://www.kidsgrowingcity.ca/links-oasis-programs

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In this episode, Leila dives into the single biggest mistake teachers make when starting a school garden. Drawing from over a decade of experience working with hundreds of teachers, Leila reveals why trying to grow a garden outside of class time is the number one error educators should avoid. She explains how this common misconception leads to frustration, exhaustion, and disengagement—and how to avoid it.

Leila emphasizes the importance of integrating garden projects into class time, making them a hands-on, experiential teaching tool that connects to various subjects like science, math, language arts, and social studies. With real-life examples and actionable advice, Leila shares how designing, building, and maintaining the garden as part of the curriculum can enhance student engagement and learning.

Key Points Discussed:

• Why growing a garden outside of class time is the biggest mistake teachers make.
• The misconception that gardens must be set up outside class before being used for education.
• The importance of connecting the garden to the curriculum as a hands-on teaching tool.
• How gardens can facilitate the teaching of subjects like soil science, water cycles, biodiversity, math, and social justice.
• The challenges of managing a garden grown outside class time, including coordination, time, and resources.
• The benefits of engaging students in every aspect of the garden, from design to maintenance, to foster a sense of ownership and responsibility.

Stay tuned for the next episode, where Leila will discuss the biggest mistake teachers make when writing lesson plans for school gardens.

Connect with Leila:

• Website: https://www.kidsgrowingcity.ca/
• Instagram: @kidsgrowingcity
• Twitter: @kidsgrowingcity
• Facebook: @kidsgrowingcity

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In this episode of School Gardens with Ease, host Leila Mireskandari reveals the biggest mistake teachers make when writing or finding gardening lesson plans. Spoiler alert: it's all about how you approach them!

Leila explains that many teachers start by focusing on their curriculum needs—like teaching math, science, or language arts—and then try to build a gardening lesson around those topics. While that method might work for some hands-on activities, it’s not the right approach for growing a garden. Leila breaks down why this strategy leads to scattered, non-cohesive lessons that won't help you or your students grow an actual garden.

Instead, Leila shares her expert approach: Start with the garden! From there, create a step-by-step list of tasks needed to grow your garden, then tie those tasks back to your core curriculum. Whether you’re planning a classroom, container, raised bed, or in-ground garden, this method ensures that your students grow a thriving garden while learning a variety of subjects in the process.

Highlights of this episode include:

• Examples of ineffective gardening lesson plans
• Why gardening isn’t a one-off activity like cooking
• How to connect gardening activities to multiple curriculum subjects
• The importance of proper timing and task management in growing a garden
• Leila’s secret for creating impactful, cohesive lesson plans for classroom gardens

Leila also introduces her Oasis series of programs, which offer ready-to-use lesson plans designed to help teachers grow a full garden during class time in just 10 hours over spring. Whether you’re new to school gardens or looking to improve your gardening lesson plans, this episode is packed with actionable advice.

Key Takeaway: Start with the garden and build your lesson plans around what needs to be done to grow it—then link those tasks to your curriculum.

Resources Mentioned:

• Oasis Series Programs: Find pre-made lesson plans and guides to grow your classroom garden effortlessly.
• Leila’s Recommended Seed List for Schools – Click here for a list of easy-to-grow seeds for your classroom garden.
• Learn the best technique for indoor seed starting for classrooms that guarantees your success in growing strong and health seedlings using this Indoor Seed Starting in Schools: PDF Guide

If you have any questions or need more tips, feel free to reach out to Leila for future episode topics. 
Leilam@kidsgrowingcity.ca

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In this episode of School Gardens with Ease, host Leila Mireskandari welcomes her first-ever guest, Victoria Hackett, M.Ed., an award-winning nature-based educator and advocate. Victoria shares her journey from being a parent envisioning a better outdoor space for her children’s school to becoming a leader in the creation of outdoor classrooms. Together, Leila and Victoria discuss the transformative power of outdoor learning and how it impacts both children and educators.

Key Discussion Points:

• Victoria's Journey: Learn how Victoria’s experience as a parent led her to create her first outdoor classroom, and how this inspired her to help educators integrate nature into their teaching practices.
• The 5 Phases of Outdoor Teaching: Victoria breaks down her approach to outdoor education, which includes creating the infrastructure, getting kids outdoors, teaching and learning in nature, embracing weather challenges, and ensuring sustainability in outdoor spaces.
• The 4 Types of Gardens: Explore the different types of gardens that can be created in an outdoor classroom: Gardens that Feed, Gardens that Attract Wildlife, Gardens for Art and Beauty, and Gardens as Outdoor Learning Stations.
• Overcoming Barriers: Victoria and Leila discuss the common challenges teachers face, such as lack of time and discomfort with outdoor spaces, and offer practical solutions to help teachers feel more confident about teaching outside.
• The Benefits of Outdoor Learning: Discover the numerous developmental and emotional benefits children experience when they spend time outdoors, from reduced stress to improved behavior and deeper connections with nature.

About Victoria Hackett, M.Ed.

Victoria Hackett is a passionate leader in outdoor education with over 30 years of experience in various educational settings. Through her work with educators and parents, she provides tailored support to help cultivate outdoor classrooms that enrich children's learning and well-being. She is the creator of the Outdoor Classrooms Podcast, CIRCLE membership community, and the upcoming Outdoor Classrooms Teacher Certification Program. Victoria is dedicated to combating nature-deficit disorder and fostering environments where children can thrive outdoors.

Connect with Victoria:

• Website: www.outdoor-classrooms.com
• Email: victoria@outdoor-classrooms.com
• CIRCLE Membership Community: Join Here

Victoria will be launching her new Outdoor Classrooms Teacher Certification Program in late December 2024/January 2025. Stay tuned for details!

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Welcome to School Gardens with Ease! I'm your host, Leila Mireskandari, and in this episode, I explore how food gardens can serve multiple purposes—beyond just growing food.

Last week, I spoke with Victoria Hackett from Outdoor Classrooms about her system for outdoor education, where she identified four types of gardens:

• Gardens that feed
• Gardens for art and beauty
• Gardens as outdoor learning stations
• Gardens that attract wildlife

If you missed that episode, I encourage you to check it out and connect with Victoria if outdoor education interests you.

A Food Garden That Does It All

In today’s episode, I discuss how the food gardens we create in my Oasis programs—like the Oasis School and Caja Oasis—can serve all four functions at once. Using Permaculture principles, we integrate multiple elements into our garden designs to meet diverse needs. Here's how:

1. Feeding People
   • The primary focus of my programs is to grow food during class time and align it with the curriculum, teaching students not just gardening but also math, science, language arts, and more.
2. Creating Outdoor Learning Stations
   • These gardens become living classrooms, providing hands-on learning experiences, even for older students up to grade 8.
3. Attracting Wildlife
   • Through polyculture and companion planting, our gardens invite beneficial insects like bees, butterflies, and ladybugs. Edible flowers like marigolds and nasturtiums add beauty and attract essential pollinators.
4. Serving as Art and Beauty Spaces
   • Inspired by nature, we design gardens with curves rather than rigid rectangles. These organic shapes—like circles and mandalas—add aesthetic appeal and mimic natural ecosystems, making the garden inviting and magical.

Permaculture Principles in Action

While I don’t teach Permaculture directly, its principles influence every element of my programs—from lesson plans and plant selection to student booklets and step-by-step growing guides. Concepts like valuing diversity and integrating elements ensure our gardens serve multiple purposes.

If you're curious about how the Oasis Program Suite can help you build a multi-purpose school garden with ease, check out the link below:
https://www.kidsgrowingcity.ca/links-oasis-programs

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In this episode of the School Gardens with Ease Podcast, host Leila Mireskandari shifts focus to address parents who are eager to bring a garden to their child's school. While primarily aimed at parents, the episode offers valuable insights for teachers as well, particularly in building partnerships with parents to create sustainable, educational gardens.

Leila reflects on her own journey, starting as a concerned parent without a background in gardening, before transforming her passion into a full-time career. Sharing personal stories from her early days of volunteering for after-school gardening programs, she highlights the challenges and lessons learned along the way, including the reality of burnout and the lack of teacher engagement when gardens are treated as extracurricular projects.

Key Takeaways:

• Sustainability of School Gardens: The most effective and sustainable school gardens are those led by teachers, grown by students, and supported by parents. These gardens integrate seamlessly into the school day and curriculum, making them more impactful and easier to maintain.
• Parent Involvement: Rather than spearheading garden projects themselves, parents should focus their energy on supporting the garden after it’s established. Fundraising for supplies and lesson plans, as well as helping with summer watering, are the best ways to contribute.
• Avoiding Burnout: Leila emphasizes that parent-led after-school programs or garden clubs, though well-intentioned, often lead to chaos, exhaustion, and unsustainable projects. She advises parents to resist the urge to take on the full responsibility and instead collaborate with interested teachers.
• Lesson Plans and Support: Leila has developed comprehensive lesson plan packages and provides coaching for teachers to ensure that school gardens are educational and integrated into the curriculum. Parents are encouraged to help fundraise for these materials.

By the end of the episode, Leila urges parents to find a passionate teacher and send them her way for guidance and resources, emphasizing that this is the easiest and most effective path to a thriving school garden.

Resources Mentioned:

• School garden lesson plan packages and coaching support by Leila Mireskandari: https://www.kidsgrowingcity.ca/Gardening-for-Elementary-Teachers

Tune in next week for more tips on making school gardens easy and impactful!

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Let's tackles the "Expensive" myth surrounding school gardens: 
Drawing from over a decade of experience growing school gardens, Leila Mireskandari, reveals why the idea that school gardens are costly is often rooted in misconceptions, and how a well-planned garden can actually be both affordable and sustainable. 
From examining why people assume school gardens are pricey to offering practical, low-cost alternatives, Leila guides listeners through the steps to make school gardening an achievable goal. 
Discover the common pitfalls that lead to budget-busting gardens, the traps of unnecessary equipment, and the benefits of keeping gardens student-led, teacher-guided, and connected to the curriculum. By the end of this episode, you’ll be equipped with insights to build a garden that’s as cost-effective as it is impactful.

Key Takeaways:

1. Why People Think School Gardens Are Expensive: Leila explains the influence of social assumptions, flashy but unnecessary equipment, and past failures.
2. Three Reasons School Gardens Fail: Discover the main factors that lead to costly and unsuccessful gardens, including community-led models and gardens disconnected from curriculum.
3. Affordable Solutions for Effective Gardens: Learn how to use Permaculture principles, prioritize student involvement, and minimize expenses.
4. Avoiding Unnecessary Costs: Leila highlights items and features often mistaken as "must-haves" that can actually drive up costs without adding value.
5. The Value of Doing It Right: Gardens built with intention, sustainability, and the right support become worth every dollar.

Resources:

• Previous related episodes: Episode 6 and Episode 7 for ideas on classroom gardens.
• Links to more resources for teachers: https://www.kidsgrowingcity.ca/Gardening-for-Elementary-Teachers

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Build a Resilient School Garden with Hugelkultur!
In this episode, Leila shares an innovative and regenerative gardening technique that can make your school garden more resilient, water-conserving, and low-maintenance — hugelkultur! 

Leila discusses how this permaculture technique, which involves creating a raised garden bed with a foundation of buried wood, can significantly reduce summer maintenance needs and provide long-term benefits to both the garden and the learning experience. Hugelkultur is not only water-efficient and nutrient-rich, but it also extends the growing season, supports local wildlife, and serves as a hands-on educational tool for students. This episode provides a step-by-step guide to building a hugelkultur bed with your students and highlights how this method can make your school garden more self-sustaining.

Topics Covered:

1. What is Hugelkultur?
   • Definition and translation of "hugelkultur" (mound or hill culture).
   • How to create a raised garden bed using layers of wood topped with soil.
2. Benefits of Hugelkultur Gardens:
   • Water Conservation: Wood in the bed acts like a sponge, retaining water and reducing the need for frequent watering.
   • Nutrient-Rich Soil: Over time, the decomposing wood enriches the soil, eliminating the need for additional fertilizers.
   • Extended Growing Season: Heat from the decomposing wood helps keep the soil warmer, allowing plants to thrive for longer in colder climates.
   • Biodiversity and Wildlife Support: Hugelkultur beds attract beneficial woodland wildlife and mushrooms, enhancing the ecosystem around the garden.
   • Resilience and Low Maintenance: Fewer watering requirements and built-in nutrients reduce the need for summer maintenance.
3. Science and Educational Value:
   • Opportunities for teaching students about natural water cycles, soil health, decomposition, and biodiversity.
4. Practical Considerations:
   • Recommended wood types (avoid chipped wood, willow, and black walnut).
   • Where to source whole, dead wood for building the bed.
   • Tips for constructing a stable, tidy hugelkultur bed with students.

Resources Mentioned:

• Guide to Building a Hugelkultur Garden with Students
• Oasis School Program, which includes step-by-step gardening lesson plans and resources:

https://www.kidsgrowingcity.ca/links-oasis-programs

• Guide to Setting Up a Watering Chest for Summer Maintenance 

Don’t Miss Out:
Leila shares her personal experience with hugelkultur and how it transformed her approach to school gardens. This episode is packed with practical advice and educational insights that will make your school garden setup a breeze!

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Let's welcome Lauren MacLean, a passionate children's author, educator, and outdoor learning consultant. Lauren’s books, including Me and My Sit Spot and Finding Common Ground, inspire young readers to connect with nature, and her work as an educator brings hands-on outdoor experiences into the classroom.

Lauren shares insights on integrating school gardens into the curriculum and offers practical tips for teachers looking to overcome common barriers, such as finding time for outdoor education. She explains how she creatively weaves subjects like math, science, and social studies into outdoor learning, making the garden a year-round, interactive classroom. Lauren’s journey from a former field hockey athlete to a teacher passionate about outdoor education highlights her commitment to fostering environmental stewardship among young learners.

Lauren also introduces her new book, Sitting with Nature: An Educator's Guide to Sit Spots, a comprehensive resource filled with weekly prompts and lesson ideas to engage students in nature-based activities.

Topics Covered:

• Lauren’s inspiring transition to outdoor education and how mentors influenced her teaching approach
• Practical advice on using school gardens to meet curriculum requirements in various subjects
• Addressing teachers' common concerns, like scheduling outdoor time and managing behavior in outdoor settings
• The concept of "sit spots" and how repeated visits to natural spaces build deeper connections to nature
• How Lauren's books bring the magic of nature into classrooms and homes
• The upcoming virtual launch for Sitting with Nature on November 26th—an event for teachers interested in outdoor education

Resources and Links:

• Lauren MacLean’s Website: Teach Outdoors
• Me and My Sit Spot - Amazon
• Finding Common Ground - Amazon
• Sitting With Nature: An Educator’s Guide to Sit Spots - Outdoor Learning Store

Connect with Lauren:

• Website: teachoutdoors.ca
• Join the virtual book launch on November 26th to celebrate Sitting with Nature!

Subscribe & Follow:
Don’t forget to subscribe to School Gardens with Ease and check out more resources on bringing gardens and nature into the classroom!

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Don't grow whatever whenever!
Seasons matter!
In this episode of School Gardens with Ease, Leila Mireskandari dives into a crucial aspect of gardening success: timing and seasonal planning. Whether you’re a teacher eager to grow educational gardens or a parent supporting a school gardening project, understanding the seasons is non-negotiable.

Leila explains why growing plants out of season (like tomato seeds in fall) leads to poor results and disheartened students. She stresses the importance of planning and preparation during fall and winter to ensure a thriving garden in spring.

Highlights:

• Why seasons are essential when planning and growing school gardens.
• Common mistakes like planting at the wrong time and how to avoid them.
• The importance of considering a plant's full lifecycle and teaching kids responsibility and care.
• Tips on how fall and winter are the ideal times for planning, gathering resources, and preparing for spring gardens.
• Details about Leila’s Oasis Fall and Winter Program and her upcoming free webinar on planning spring gardens (starting December 1st).

Links and Resources:

• GrowVeg.com – A helpful resource for seasonal planting.
• Oasis Fall and Winter Program – Check out this program for bringing gardening into classrooms during the colder months.
• Join the free spring planning webinar waitlist here.

Take Action:

• Teachers: Plan now for spring! Avoid the stress and disappointment of late starts.
• Parents: Use this season to talk to teachers and gather resources to support a successful school garden.
• Don’t wait! When spring arrives, it’ll be too late to begin planning.

Ready to start? Explore the links above and reach out to Leila now. Let’s ensure your school garden thrives with proper timing and preparation.
Saw this episode late? Still use the links above to add yourself to waitlists for next year.

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Looking for a shortcut to an easy school garden?
Welcome to Episode 28 of School Gardens with Ease! In this special episode, your host Leila Mireskandari shifts gears to share what’s been on her mind lately—her annual free 70-minute webinar, starting December 1st. This webinar is all about empowering educators and parents to grow school gardens with ease, and in this episode, Leila offers a short and sweet version of what you’ll learn in the webinar.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• The core philosophy behind School Gardens with Ease: working smarter, not harder, by aligning with nature and using Permaculture principles.
• Why school gardens must be led by teachers, entirely maintained by students, and supported (not run!) by parents to ensure success.
• Common mistakes that make school gardens harder than they need to be—and how to avoid them.
• How to integrate gardening seamlessly into your curriculum, using it as a hands-on educational tool for math, science, language arts, and more.
• The key role of lesson plans in keeping the garden project structured and stress-free for teachers.

Highlights:

• The “Ease” Mindset: Growing school gardens doesn’t have to be difficult or time-consuming!
• Why All Work Must Be Done by Students: The garden isn’t just a project; it’s a hands-on classroom where kids learn how to grow food and connect with nature.
• Teachers, No Extra Work for You: Learn how to use prep and class time to manage your garden without adding to your workload.
• Parents as Cheerleaders: Discover the specific ways parents and the community can provide support without stepping on the toes of teachers and students.
• Avoid the Pitfalls: Lunchtime gardening clubs and weekend planting events might sound fun but often lead to burnout and reduced educational value.

Don’t Miss the Free Webinar!

This episode is just the tip of the iceberg. For a detailed step-by-step guide on building an abundant and easy school garden, join Leila’s free School Gardens with Ease webinar. You’ll also receive three free guides to help you get started.

📅 Webinar Details:

• Recorded sessions available 3 times a day from December 1st to mid-February.
• Perfect for teachers and parents who want to start school gardens the right way.

👉 Click here to sign up for the webinar!
https://www.kidsgrowingcity.ca/main-registration-page-school-gardens-with-ease

Let’s grow school gardens with ease together! 🌱

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Thriving School Gardens don't happen by accident!
In this episode of School Gardens with Ease, I’m guiding you through the steps to create an impactful, sustainable, and educational garden at your school. Whether you’re a teacher or a supportive parent, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you avoid common pitfalls and set your garden up for success.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• The Power of School Gardens: Discover how gardens enhance student learning, life skills, and environmental stewardship.
• Common Mistakes to Avoid: Learn why parent-led gardens, extracurricular projects, and overly complex setups often fail.
• The 2-Phase Solution: Start with a classroom garden and expand to an outdoor garden with confidence and ease.
• The Role of Lesson Plans: Understand why cohesive lesson plans are the key to connecting gardening tasks with curriculum goals and staying on track.

Episode Highlights

1. What Doesn’t Work:
   • Parent-led gardens often lack educational alignment and become unsustainable.
   • Extracurricular gardens demand too much personal time and lose focus.
   • High-maintenance or overly complicated setups set everyone up for burnout.
2. What Works:
   • Gardens should be student-grown, teacher-led, and managed during class time to maximize educational impact.
   • Starting with a classroom garden builds confidence and avoids summer maintenance challenges.
   • Outdoor gardens thrive when designed with low-maintenance techniques like Hugelkultur, sheet mulching, and biodiversity.
3. Steps to Success:
   • Phase 1: Classroom Garden
     • Use simple supplies like seeds, soil, and a sunny window.
     • Write cohesive lesson plans that align with your curriculum and schedule.
     • Plan ahead for what to do with seedlings at the end of the year.
   • Phase 2: Outdoor Garden
     • Incorporate smart design techniques to reduce maintenance.
     • Engage students in every step, from planning to planting.
4. The Oasis Programs:
   • Oasis Classroom: Perfect for growing impactful classroom gardens.
   • Oasis School: Supports both classroom and outdoor gardens with regenerative designs.
   • Caja Oasis: Ideal for limited space, using sub-irrigated planters.
   • Each program includes ready-made lesson plans, student resources, and personalized coaching.

Resources Mentioned

• Free Guides: 

My Recommended Seeds List for Schools:
https://www.kidsgrowingcity.ca/get-seed-list-gift-for-teachers

Seed Starting in Schools Guide:
https://www.kidsgrowingcity.ca/offers/pZ2cNrYj/checkout

• Hugelkultur Guide: 

https://www.kidsgrowingcity.ca/offers/8WLA6Gpd/checkout

• Annual School Gardens with Ease 70-minute Webinar: 

https://www.kidsgrowingcity.ca/main-registration-page-school-gardens-with-ease

• Oasis Programs Suite: 

https://www.kidsgrowingcity.ca/links-oasis-programs

Creating a thriving school garden doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right approach, you can turn your garden into a hands-on teaching tool that inspires students and transforms your classroom.

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Welcome to the Final Episode of 2024!
In this reflective and inspiring episode, Leila Mireskandari wraps up the year by encouraging you to look back on your school garden journey (or none thereof) in 2024 and dream big for 2025. It’s the perfect time to evaluate what worked, what didn’t, and how to make your school garden dreams a reality in the coming year.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• Why the end of the calendar year is an ideal time to plan your school garden.
• The importance of reflecting on your past efforts:
  • What stopped you from starting?
  • What challenges did you face?
  • What successes should you repeat?
• Why the primary goal of a school garden should always be education, and how to avoid common pitfalls like involving the wrong people or setting the wrong goals.
• How simplicity is key to starting small and growing successfully.
• Why dreaming big is essential to achieving your goals and creating a lasting legacy for your students.

Upcoming in 2025:

• A sneak peek at January’s first episode: an inspiring interview with a teacher who has successfully implemented the Oasis Classroom and Caja Oasis programs for 3 years.

Resources Mentioned:

• Free Webinar: Learn how to plan, fundraise, and build your school garden for success: https://www.kidsgrowingcity.ca/main-registration-page-school-gardens-with-ease
• Oasis Programs: Comprehensive, curriculum-connected lesson plans and resources to make gardening with your students easy and rewarding: https://www.kidsgrowingcity.ca/links-oasis-programs

Key Takeaway:

Reflect, learn, and dream again! Your 2025 school garden journey starts now, with the right mindset, clear goals, and actionable steps. Together, we can change the world, one school garden at a time.

Happy Holidays and New Year!
Thank you for joining us in 2024, and we can’t wait to grow with you in 2025. 🎉

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In this special two-part series, I sit down with Shant, an inspiring grade eight teacher who transformed his classroom with the Oasis Classroom program. Shant Sourian shares his journey from being, a hesitant new teacher, to becoming a passionate advocate for classroom gardening. In this episode, we explore:

• How Shant discovered the Oasis Classroom program and why he was initially hesitant to take it on.
• The unexpected ways gardening engaged his students and enhanced their learning.
• Creative ways Shant integrated gardening into his STEM curriculum.
• How gardening became a central part of his teaching strategy, making learning more tangible and enjoyable for his students.

Shant also shares heartwarming stories about his students' excitement and pride as they watched their garden flourish. You'll hear how Oasis gardening programs helped Shant create a vibrant, hands-on learning environment that empowered his students to make real-world connections.

Make sure to tune in to Part 2 (released in a few days), where Shant delves into his outdoor gardening journey and reveals the transformative impact gardening had on his teaching and personal life!

To learn how to grow school gardens with ease, join our free annual School Gardens with Ease webinar here:
https://www.kidsgrowingcity.ca/main-registration-page-school-gardens-with-ease

And to learn more about the Oasis programs go here:
https://www.kidsgrowingcity.ca/links-oasis-programs

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Welcome back to Part 2 of my conversation with Shant, a passionate teacher who has made classroom and school gardening a cornerstone of his teaching practice. In this episode, we dive deeper into Shant’s experience:

• Transitioning from indoor to outdoor gardening with the Caja Oasis program.
• The surprising simplicity of managing a school garden and how it fit seamlessly into his teaching schedule.
• The powerful community connections Shant built through gardening and fundraising initiatives.
• How gardening has positively impacted his students’ engagement, teamwork, and overall learning.

Shant also reflects on how gardening became a personal passion, spilling over into his home life and helping him discover new hobbies like making hot sauce from his harvest! He shares valuable advice for teachers considering classroom gardening but feeling overwhelmed by the idea of taking on more work.

If you haven't listened to Part 1, make sure to go back and catch it to hear how Shant got started on this journey. His story will leave you feeling inspired and ready to bring the magic of gardening into your own classroom!

Links and Resources:

To learn how to grow school gardens with ease, join our free annual School Gardens with Ease webinar here:
https://www.kidsgrowingcity.ca/main-registration-page-school-gardens-with-ease

And to learn more about the Oasis programs go here:
https://www.kidsgrowingcity.ca/links-oasis-programs

Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review to help more educators discover how they can easily integrate gardening into their classrooms!

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Today, on the School Gardens with Ease podcast, we’re talking about a crucial part of creating successful school gardens: lesson planning.

If you’re new here, one key thing to know is that school gardens should be grown by students, led by teachers, and supported by the community. Not parent-volunteer projects outside of class time.

Why Lesson Plans Matter:

If school gardens are built and maintained during class time, they must integrate with the curriculum. That’s non-negotiable. Gardens can enrich science, math, language arts, social studies, history, geography, health, and more. Without solid lesson plans, a school garden won’t achieve its educational goals.

But here’s where many teachers go wrong:
❌ Don’t start with your curriculum goals and try to fit random gardening activities to meet them.

The Right Way to Write Gardening Lesson Plans:

✅ Start with the garden itself.
Think about the tasks needed to grow a food garden. This includes:
1️⃣ Selecting seeds
2️⃣ Planning the timing based on your growing zone
3️⃣ Using sub-irrigated systems for seedlings
4️⃣ Creating a step-by-step plan for students to follow

Then, connect these hands-on gardening tasks to your curriculum. 

A garden that grows consistently over time provides ongoing educational opportunities, not just sporadic activities.

Final Reminder: It’s All About the Plan

A thriving school garden isn’t about hard work or personal time sacrifice. It’s about having a good plan.

And if you need help? My Oasis Suite of done-for-you lesson packages (https://www.kidsgrowingcity.ca/links-oasis-programs) gives you everything you need: growing guides, curriculum connections, and student activities.

Want more details? Download my free seed selection guide (https://www.kidsgrowingcity.ca/get-seed-list-gift-for-teachers) and check out my guide for a low-cost, foolproof way to start your seeds indoors (https://www.kidsgrowingcity.ca/offers/pZ2cNrYj/checkout).

Thanks for listening! See you next time on School Gardens with Ease!

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Welcome back to School Gardens with Ease! In this episode, we’re diving into part 2 of writing effective lesson plans for your school garden project. If you haven’t listened to Episode 33 yet, make sure to go back and do that first! It’s packed with essential information on how to map out the tasks required to grow a garden with your students.

This episode focuses on how to turn garden tasks into step-by-step activity guides that make gardening fun, hands-on, and educational. I also share how we’ve structured the lesson plans inside the Oasis programs to connect gardening activities with key curriculum concepts. 🌻

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✅ Why you should start with garden tasks and build lesson plans around them
✅ The difference between activity guides and full lesson plans
✅ How to create a 10-15 week program to grow a garden during class time
✅ The key concepts students should learn, from germination and soil health to the water cycle and biodiversity
✅ Ways to make learning fun and practical through hands-on activities like building water filters, sundials, and sub-irrigated planters
✅ How to incorporate science, geography, history, math, language, and arts into your garden lesson plans

Why This Approach Works:

Creating a school garden is about more than just growing food, it’s about helping students build a deep connection with nature while making core subjects engaging and tangible. 🌎 By using gardening as a tool for learning, you’re showing students that what they learn in class has real-world applications.

To find out more about our Oasis Series of Lesson Plan Packages and Programs go HERE:
https://www.kidsgrowingcity.ca/links-oasis-programs

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In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain to give you a sneak peek into one of the gardening lesson plans from my OASIS programs. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to seamlessly integrate gardening into your curriculum while engaging your students in a hands-on and meaningful way, this episode is for you!

Join me as I walk you through the essential seven layers of a successful gardening lesson plan, and stick around to see a practical example featuring the "Sunlight and Sunflowers" lesson from our OASIS Classroom program. Whether you're growing an indoor or outdoor garden, this framework ensures you’re set up for success.

Resources Mentioned:

- Check out the visual version of this episode on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/mvpKszVOuKw
- Visit Kids Growing City and explore the OASIS programs to see how these tools can transform your teaching:
https://www.kidsgrowingcity.ca/links-oasis-programs
- For seed timing and planting information, visit GrowVeg.com.
- For my recommended seeds list go here:
https://www.kidsgrowingcity.ca/get-seed-list-gift-for-teachers
- For the two previous episodes go here:
https://youtu.be/heJjOhYvFOE

Ready to create your own garden-focused lesson plans? Tune in now and let me show you how easy it is to connect gardening to your curriculum while keeping students excited to learn. Don’t forget to subscribe for more practical tips to bring gardening into your classroom with ease!

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Let's delves into the common misconception that funding and approvals are the primary obstacles to creating a successful school garden. How about some insights on how to make the most of available resources and an emphasis on the importance of a well-connected teaching plan over physical garden infrastructure.

Key Points:

1. Funding Myths: Addressing the false belief that money and approvals are essential for starting a school garden.
2. Common Mistakes: Highlighting the pitfalls of investing in unnecessary tools and expensive setups.
3. Classroom Gardens: Demonstrating how impactful gardens can be created indoors with minimal budget.
4. Outdoor Gardens: Discussing how to utilize Permaculture techniques to build gardens without a big budget.
5. Focus on Education: Emphasizing the importance of a cohesive teaching plan that integrates the garden with the curriculum.
6. OASIS Programs: Introducing the OASIS lesson plans and their benefits for educators.

Resources Mentioned:

• OASIS Programs: Ready-to-use lesson plans with a success guarantee. Open until February 21st. Join the waitlist if you missed the deadline: https://www.kidsgrowingcity.ca/links-oasis-programs
• Episodes 33, 34, and 35: Detailed guides on how to write effective lesson plans for school gardens.

Connect with Us:

• Visit our website: https://www.kidsgrowingcity.ca/
• Follow us on Instagram @kidsgrowingcity and @schoolgardensforteachers
• Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@KidsGrowingCityGardens

Call to Action: If you're passionate about creating a school garden, focus on building a solid teaching plan first. For more tips and ready-to-use lesson plans, check out the OASIS programs. Let's grow an educational garden together!

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Welcome to Episode 37 of School Gardens with Ease! In this episode, I dive into a question I often get from teachers and principals:

"Can you come in and run the school garden program for us?"

My short answer? No. But there’s a deeper reason behind it, and today, I’m sharing why having an external vendor grow your school garden isn’t the best approach, and why you are the best person to lead this initiative in your classroom.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

🌱 Why I stopped running school garden programs myself and shifted to empowering teachers.
🌱 The challenges of having outside facilitators lead school gardening programs.
🌱 How the Oasis Series was born and why it attracts the right teachers.
🌱 Why students learn more, take ownership, and feel a greater sense of achievement when their teacher leads the school garden.
🌱 The key to making a school garden work: ownership, care, and connection to the curriculum.

A school garden is not just an extracurricular activity, it’s a powerful, hands-on teaching tool that integrates seamlessly with math, science, language arts, social studies, and more. And you, as the classroom teacher, are the best person to make it happen!

Join the Oasis Program!

The Oasis Programs give you everything you need: lesson plans, growing guides, and support, to make school gardening simple and successful. Doors close on February 21st, so don’t miss your chance to join! If you’re listening after that date, hop on the waitlist for the next round.

👉 Learn more and sign up here: https://www.kidsgrowingcity.ca/links-oasis-programs

Let’s grow a thriving, abundant school garden—together!

🎙 See you next week for another episode!

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Are you an elementary or middle school teacher eager to grow a thriving classroom or school garden, without extra work outside of class time? In this episode, I break down the four programs in the Oasis Program Series to help you find the best fit for your students, space, and level of commitment.

🌱 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
✔️ Why school gardens should be student-powered, teacher-led, and curriculum-connected
✔️ A breakdown of each Oasis program:

• Oasis Kinder 1 & 2 – Perfect for K-2 teachers or special needs classrooms
• Oasis Classroom – Grow food indoors with just a sunny window—no outdoor space required!
• Caja Oasis – Combine indoor growing with an ultra-low-maintenance outdoor planter garden
• Oasis School – Create a full-scale regenerative school garden, designed and built by your students

🔍 Want a sneak peek? Check out episode 37 for a full walkthrough of one of our Oasis lessons!

🎯 Next Steps:
📅 Deadline Alert! Book a free Zoom call with me before February 21st to ask questions and find your perfect program.
💡 Already know which program is right for you? Join today:

https://www.kidsgrowingcity.ca/links-oasis-programs

Let’s get your students growing! 🌿

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Are you passionate about transforming education by humanizing learning? If so, this episode is for you!

In this episode of School Gardens with Ease, I introduce you to Thinkering Collective—a movement dedicated to empowering students to become changemakers in their communities. Their work is all about fostering curiosity, redefining academic success beyond grades, and making real-world impact.

I’m excited to share that I was recently interviewed on their podcast, Thinkering Minds! Instead of a full episode here, I encourage you to head over there and listen to our conversation about the role of school gardens in humanizing learning.

🌱 Listen to my interview on Thinkering Minds Podcast 👉 https://open.spotify.com/episode/41tbcZFolMFgytmHzkj41Y

But that’s not all! I’m also thrilled to announce my new partnership with Thinkering Collective and an amazing opportunity for educators. I have 12 nomination spots available for their Fellowship Program, which is designed to equip educators with the tools, support, and community they need to lead real-world change in their schools.

🚀 Interested in the Fellowship Program? Learn more here: https://thinkeringcollective.org/introducing-the-thinkering-collective-fellowship/

📩 Want to be nominated? Email me at Leilam@kidsgrowingcity.ca

I can’t wait for you to check out this episode and explore the incredible work of Thinkering Collective! See you next week!

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Welcome to School Gardens with Ease! I’m your host, Leila Mireskandari, and in this episode, we’re diving into an important and sometimes controversial question: Should we use plastic to grow food?

In This Episode:

• Why I still use plastic party cups to start seeds in my Oasis programs.
• The dilemma of balancing environmental responsibility with practical classroom gardening.
• The importance of sub-irrigation and why paper, clay, or biodegradable pots don’t work in a classroom setting.
• My ongoing search for a viable alternative to plastic that is moisture-resistant and flexible.
• How my philosophy of making a green handprint outweighs an unavoidable footprint.
• A call to action for manufacturers or innovators to help find a better solution.

Key Takeaways:

• Environmental responsibility is a priority, but practical limitations in schools mean we sometimes have to make trade-offs.
• Over or under-watering is one of the biggest causes of failure in classroom gardening, and sub-irrigation is the best way to prevent it.
• Plastic is currently the best available option for sub-irrigation, but I’m always on the lookout for alternatives.
• We should strive for solutions but never let the lack of a perfect option stop us from growing food and making a positive impact.

If you or someone you know has a solution to replace plastic in classroom seed-starting, I’d love to hear from you!

Let’s continue the conversation. You can reach out to me through my website or social media.

Thanks for listening! See you next week for another episode of School Gardens with Ease.

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🌱 Happy Spring Equinox! As gardeners, we’re excited to welcome spring, but before you grab your rake and start clearing up your school garden, pause and listen to this episode first!

In today’s episode, I’m talking about one of the biggest mistakes school gardeners (and home gardeners) make—cleaning up too early in spring! Many beneficial insects like ladybugs, bees, and butterflies are still taking shelter under leaves and dead vegetation. Clearing your garden too soon can harm biodiversity and reduce the natural helpers your garden needs to thrive.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✔️ Why early spring clean-up is a big no-no for your garden
✔️ The best time to start clearing and prepping your school garden
✔️ How delaying clean-up supports beneficial insects and biodiversity
✔️ A fun science lesson idea to teach students about working with nature
✔️ A sneak peek into my new class on school gardens with almost no summer maintenance (stay tuned for the link!)

Let’s work with nature, not against it, and teach our students to do the same. Don’t be a clean freak—be a garden protector!

💚 Happy Spring! I’ll see you in the next episode.

🔗 Links & Resources:
👉 School Gardens with Almost No Summer Maintenance Class: https://www.kidsgrowingcity.ca/school-gardens-with-almost-no-summer-maintenance

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🌱 Welcome to another episode of School Gardens with Ease! I’m your host, Leila Mireskandari, and today’s episode is a special one—part of the Podcasthon movement, where over a thousand podcasts highlight a charity of their choice.

💧 In this episode, we’re talking about water—clean, accessible water—and why it’s critical for school gardens, communities, and the world.

🌍 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why Charity:Water is my favorite nonprofit and how their 100% donation model builds trust.
• The biggest summer maintenance concern for school gardens—and why watering can’t be eliminated.
• How good design can reduce watering needs by up to 80%, but never fully remove the need for water.
• The impact of clean water on food-growing and why it matters for your garden.
• Why water education belongs in your classroom—from the water cycle to human impact.
• Shocking water facts—Did you know 703 million people lack access to clean water?
• How regenerative gardens positively affect global water cycles.

💡 Take Action Today!

• Support Charity:Water and help solve the global water crisis: charitywater.org
• Explore more amazing causes through Podcasthon: podcasthon.org
• Get ready for my new course on school gardens with almost no summer maintenance—stay tuned!

🎧 Listen Now & Share
If you found this episode helpful, share it with a fellow educator! Let’s grow gardens—and awareness—together.

🔗 https://www.kidsgrowingcity.ca/school-gardens-with-almost-no-summer-maintenance

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Short answer: No. But the longer answer might surprise you!

Summers can be tough on school gardens—drought, weeds, and neglect often leave them struggling. But what if your school garden could be designed to require almost zero summer maintenance?

In this episode, I break down how Permaculture techniques can help you create a thriving school garden with:
 ✅ No weeding
 ✅ No cleanups
 ✅ No fertilizing
 ✅ No pruning
 ✅ No pest or disease control
 ✅ Much less watering

Yes, it’s possible! I’ve done it many times over the past 11 years. And now, I’m sharing how you can do it too.

🎉 Join My Low-Cost Webinar! 🎉
I’m hosting a special webinar to teach you exactly how to build a school garden with almost no summer maintenance. Plus, you’ll get two implementation guides worth $38!

💰 Limited-Time Offer: Get 50% off until March 31st—only $14 CAD!
📅 Webinar Date: April 2nd (4 time slots available)
🎥 Recording available for registrants only

🔗 Grab Your Spot Here!

If you're listening after April 2nd, let me know if you're interested—I might bring it back!

Let’s make school gardens effortless this summer. 🌱

Resources & Links:
🔗 Webinar Registration: https://kids-growing-city-edec.mykajabi.com/almost-no-summer-maintenance-webinar-registration