Project partner DOVES – FEE Slovenia has developed and published a new publication, Urban school garden, a teacher’s guide. It is a practical resource offering comprehensive instructions and didactic guidelines for establishing and using school gardens as outdoor classrooms and a tool for practical learning.
The guide was created based on various sources and enriched by extensive experience and good practices from the Eco-Schools programme in Slovenia.
The guide focuses on sustainability topics such as local food production, prevention of food waste, biodiversity, natural cycles, and the importance of collaboration and community engagement.
It provides teachers with comprehensive overview and instructions – from soil preparation, sowing, planting, composting, and plant selection to creative projects like building insect hotels and raised beds. It also includes a variety of recipes and practical worksheets to support hands-on learning experiences.
A special emphasis is placed on how to integrate school garden activities into everyday teaching. Each chapter offers recommendations on adapting activities to different student age groups.
School gardens are portrayed as much more than spaces for growing plants – they are educational platforms that foster sustainable thinking, promote teamwork, and nurture respect for nature.
The guide is primarily intended for teachers working in urban environments. However, due to its wide range of useful content, it can also serve as an excellent resource for educators in any school or kindergarten, and for all passionate home gardeners looking for inspiration and practical tips for sustainable gardening.