The Square Foot Gardening Method is currently used in schools throughout the country to educate and excite young people about the importance of learning the life skills of gardening, eating healthy and the benefits of sustainability. The SFG method is well suited to the STEAM approach, serving as an effective springboard to teach about Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math.
A Square Foot Garden in a School Yard
Pre-school to Grade 6
Junaluska Elementary School Garden in Waynesville, NC
Simple Learning Applications
- Observe and compare growth of plants
- Learn basic plant needs (water, sunlight, soil)
- Explore and compare different soil types
- Hypothesize reasons for plant growth results
Pre-school to Grade 6
Onalaska School, Wisconsin
Hands-on, practical application of math concepts
- Understand multiplication through grid planting
- Practice division using plant spacing
- Build early problem-solving skills
Middle school education
Excelsior Academy, Utah
STEAM application
- Science: Study microbial activity, decomposition, pH and nutrient cycles through compost experiments.
- Technology: Use sensors and simple instruments to track and optimize compost conditions, water usage, and garden planning.
- Engineering: Building beds using tools and math to solve space limitations.
- Art: Engaging students to create informational signage, walkway, and landscape elements to enhance their garden.
- Math: Apply and enhance math skills for plant and garden spacing with our grid system, and use concepts like ratios, measurement, and statistical analysis to composting projects and Mel’s Mix creation.
High school education
Northport High School, New York
Advanced Applications
- Design and build SFG beds
- Plan and manage the Square Foot Garden
- Experiment with companion planting, expanding to greenhouse management.
- Learning a sense of community and outreach through SFG.
- Gaining an understanding of the far reaching impact and how growing can foster a global view.
- Lead sustainable projects
Summer Camp programs
STEAM application
Bob Markey, founder of Mr. Bob’s Garden Foundation for YMCA Campers shares the details of the YMCA summer camp program. Kids spend the season learning how to plant, grow, and harvest their own vegetables using the Square Foot Gardening Method. Culminating with “The Great Zucchini Race”, a fun, grand-finale event where kids build miniature race cars of zucchinis, carrots, and radishes.
The Square Foot Garden Horticultural Therapy Program at the Anchor Center
Inclusive learning
The Square Foot Garden Horticultural Therapy Program at the Anchor Center for Blind Children uses gardening as a therapeutic intervention and rich sensory learning experience. As children plant and tend their own square, they engage their senses at every stage — smelling flowers and soil, feeling the varied textures of leaves and vegetables, and experiencing the tangible rewards of their own efforts as their garden grows. Through this hands-on process, they develop self-sufficiency, confidence, and a deeper connection to the world around them.
Are you ready to bring Square Foot Gardening to your school?
We provide everything you need to master the SFG Method and launch a successful school garden program.
- Sign up for our online courses to learn the SFG Method. Teachers get 20% off!
- We recommend the All-New Square Foot Gardening , 4th edition book for complete building instructions, lots of great visuals for garden plans, and our book “Square Foot Gardening with Kids” for engaging activities that are sure to make learning fun.
- Grant Opportunities. We offer financial support to help schools and organizations get started. Contact us for more details at: info@squarefootgardening.org to inquire about the Grant Application eligibility.