This is the comprehensive curriculum that we use in schools, churches, and childcare centers. The curriculum is available free-of-charge to all current Big Garden sites. Click below to download the full "Grow Your Own," children and youth garden curriculum.

Introduction & Lesson On e: I Love Soil!
Soil Health & Ecosystems

Lesson Two: Plenty of Plants
Plant Science, Planting the Garden & Companion Planting

Lesson Three: Composting & Vermicomposting
Building Soil & Making Compost

Lesson Four: Save the Pollinators
Garden Pollinators & Native Prairie Plants

Lesson Five: Art in the Garden
Garden Art Projects Using Recycled Materials

Lesson Six: The Food Chain
Food Systems, Food Deserts & Food Justice

Lesson Seven: H erbs for Kids
Culinary Herbs & Herbal Medicine

Lesson Eight: Farm to Table
Local Food & Farmer Visit

Lesson Nine: From Seed to Seed
Seed Saving

Alternate Lessons for More Experienced Gardeners
Lesson Ten: Put it Up!
Food Preservation

Lesson Eleven: Goodnight Garden
Garden Clean-up & Extending the Growing Season (forthcoming)

Lesson Twelve: To Market
Host Your Own Farmers Market (forthcoming)