Master Gardeners are trained by the University of California Cooperative Extension to provide the gardeners of Riverside County with research-based information to promote environmentally responsible and sustainable horticultural practices. Master Gardeners participate entirely on a volunteer basis, not as paid employees. Our programs to provide educational services to school and children’s gardens include: consultation related to school gardens, school garden resources and lessons, fact sheets on vegetables, herbs, and flowers, and relevant resources and solutions to support successful horticulture projects. All resources are available to the public at no cost. Click on the links below for more information about our programs.
Contact us with questions or inquiries at mgschoolgardens@gmail.com.
Riverside County Office of Education
UC Master Gardener Youth and School Garden Project lessons are aligned with California State Science and CTE standards.
Planning and Developing a School Garden
Our goal is to help organizations interested in creating or sustaining children’s, school, youth or outdoor learning environments. We provide resources designed to help interested parties develop goals and foci for their gardens and can provide step by step guidance as they plan and execute youth-oriented gardens.
The Planning page contains several presentations and references on the benefits of school gardens and specifics about school garden planning, design, and development.
The Consulting page contains information and resources on our role as volunteer consultants providing step by step guidance in planning and operating youth-oriented gardens. All of Riverside County’s currently certified Master Gardeners have been finger-printed and have passed background screening by the California Department of Justice.
School Garden Lessons
UC Master Gardeners of Riverside County have developed a series of School Garden Lessons for teachers, parents, students, and the public. The lessons can be used in the classroom, online, and by individuals. Each file contains a PowerPoint lesson on gardening and horticulture with embedded video links, as well as references and California State Board of Education Content Standards covered by each lesson. There is an emphasis on science, health and safety, and nutrition appropriate to each grade level. The lessons are available for four grade levels: TK-2, 3-5, 6-8 (Middle School), and 9-12 (High School).
Fact Sheets for Citrus, Flowers, Herbs, Native Plants, and Fruits and Vegetables
The two-page fact sheets are designed to provide growing information regarding plants, interesting or fun facts, nutrition information, and ways to use plants in healthy recipes, as seasonings, and in floral design and craft projects for children. The information provided is research-based from University of California researchers, Master Gardeners, and other research and government institutions.
Resources and References
This service provides links to other sources and websites that contain school garden lesson plans, garden activities for children, horticulture information, and grant opportunities. The page also provides details on garden solutions created by Riverside Master Gardeners such as irrigation solutions and a hand-sanitizing station.