Gardening Resources + Grant
"Every time we plant a seed or a seedling with a child, we foster curiosity, wonder, and the foundation for a lifelong love of nature"
Let’s Start a Garden Presentation March 24, 2025 Slide Deck + Recording of the Session
Let's Start A Garden Part 1 Slidedeck (March 24, 2025)
Recording of March 24th Let’s Start a Garden Part 1 Session
Gardening + Nature Resource List
Free Gardening/Nature Resources: Curricular Guides, 55+ Activities & More
Curriculum Guides
> Early Childhood Education Lessons and Activities - KidsGardening
> Grow It, Try It, Like It! Nutrition Education Kit Featuring MyPlate
> 18 Session Gardening Plan PowerPoint
> JMG Early Childhood Learn, Grow, Eat and GO! ($56)
> Growing MInds EC Gardening Lesson Plans
Why Garden with Young Children Booklet
Includes benefits, learning concepts, objectives, and vocabulary to assist with planning your garden, gardening activities with young children as well as writing the gardening mini-grant.
Why Garden with Young Children Booklet - English
¿Por qué cultivar un jardín con niños pequeños? - Español
5-Step Guidelines to Completing the Garden Mini-Grant
Intent to Apply Survey - Gardening Mini-Grant (optional) l Intención de Postularse - Mini-Beca de JardineríaIntent to Apply
Gardening Mini-Grant Application
Due April 14th PLEASE NOTE: The Gardening Mini-Grant is for early care and learning programs located in St. Joseph County.
Approved Grant List of Materials (part of the mini-grant).
These are the only items approved for the Mini-Grant at this time. Please note the Materials List includes Store Gift Cards at Unity Gardens, Martin's Greenhouse and Lowe's for gardening materials such as seedlings, containers, soil, mulch, hose, sprinkler, bucket, large adult sized watering can.
Garden Materials List: Centers, Ministries & Programs in Public and Private Schools
Garden Materials List - Family Child Care Home Programs
Preschool Gardening Family Engagement Ideas
Plants for Pre-K Gardens - KidsGardening
GRowing Guide - Edible Flowers
Container Gardening for Kids Topic: projects & crafts, edibles, flowers, getting started
Growing Creativity: How Art and Gardening Inspire Eco-Social Learning for Ages 3-5 Activities
Research from Finland shows that combining visual arts and garden pedagogy fosters creativity, environmental awareness, and eco-social knowledge in children ages 3-5. Through drawing, storytelling, and nature-inspired art, young learners strengthen their bond with nature while developing creative thinking and responsible environmental actions.