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Below is a searchable list of mostly free online resources where you can find lessons related to garden-based learning. There is such an extensive list of resources for elementary level grades that we chose only to list free online resources for elementary grade levels.
To view extensive lists of print publications check out:
Middle and High School level garden-based learning resources are less available and we listed all that we know about.
Looking for literature and story books related to plants, bugs, gardens, farms, and other garden related themes? Check out these lists:
| Title | Description | Grade Level | Type | Web Address |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Math in the Garden |
"For grades K-8. This engaging curriculum uses a mathematical lens to take children on an education-filled exploration of the garden. Dozens of hands-on activities hone math skills and promote inquiry, language arts, and nutrition." |
Lower Elementary, Middle School, Upper Elementary | Math | Go to Website |
| China, Europe, Westward Expansion - Middle School Social Science Lessons by Katy Pearce |
These lessons have been developed to bring garden-based nutrition education and California standards-based social studies curriculum together. We believe that food history is an integral part of understanding culture and that experiential lessons in the garden and cooking classroom can encourage students to eat more healthily and deepen their understanding of past civilizations. |
Middle School | Social Studies | Go to Website |
| Seed to Salad Lessons from Cornell Garden Based Learning |
"For grades K-12. Garden based learning with lessons on garden creation, as well as garden based art projects for elementary aged children. Includes links to research done on garden based education and teacher resources for setting up and starting garden based education." |
Lower Elementary, Upper Elementary | Arts and Crafts, Cooking/Nutrtion, General Garden Based Learning | Go to Website |
| Garden lesson Plans from the Huntington Botanical Garden |
"For grades K-8. Lessons revolving around plant and soil nutrition. Garden vocabulary for primary and secondary children, as well as supporting materials. " |
Lower Elementary, Upper Elementary | General Garden Based Learning, Science | Go to Website |
| Vermont's Farm to School Program Teacher Units |
For grades PreK-6. A community-based website adressing school food changes in Vermont. Nutrition based lessons separated by elementary grade levels and high school. All lessons developed to meet Vermont educational standards. |
Lower Elementary, PreK-Kinder, Upper Elementary | Ag Literacy/Food Systems, Cooking/Nutrtion | Go to Website |
| Harvesting Health |
"This website provides a copy of the Network for a Healthy California booklet of garden based education. Including garden set-up, nutrition plans connected to seasonal planting, and motivational tips for physical activities with the class. Also includes links to other regional activities, recipes of the month, and physical activity ideas. " |
Lower Elementary, Upper Elementary | Cooking/Nutrtion | Go to Website |
| Grannys Garden School |
"For grades K-4 One of the most complete list of lessons used in a garden-based school program that serves 1,800 students in Loveland OH. More than just lessons, but a complete guide to running a comprehensive garden program!" |
Lower Elementary, PreK-Kinder, Upper Elementary | General Garden Based Learning | Go to Website |
| George Watts Montessori Edible Garden |
For grades 1-3. 15 lessons developed for the George Watts Montessori Edible Garden. Aligned with NC standards |
Lower Elementary | General Garden Based Learning | Go to Website |
| George Watts Montessori Edible Garden |
For grades 4-5. 15 lessons developed for the George Watts Montessori Edible Garden. Aligned with NC standards |
Upper Elementary | General Garden Based Learning | Go to Website |
| USDA's Ag in the Classroom Lesson Library |
For grades PreK-12. An extensive searchable online library of ag literacy related lessons. Great search function to find specific types of lessons |
High School, Lower Elementary, Middle School, PreK-Kinder, Upper Elementary | Ag Literacy/Food Systems | Go to Website |
| National Environmental Education Foundation School Garden Curricula |
"For grades K-12. Garden based leraning with links to lessons on climate change, water, water-energy articles, and children and nature. Children and nature lessons for all grades, will pop up in a new on-line window." |
High School, Lower Elementary, Middle School, PreK-Kinder, Upper Elementary | Ag Literacy/Food Systems, General Garden Based Learning | Go to Website |
| Cooking With Kids Extensive Resources on Taste Testing with Kids |
"For grades PreK-6. Cooking with Kids motivates and empowers elementary school students to develop healthy eating habits through hands-on learning with fresh, affordable foods from diverse cultural traditions. Through cooking classes and tasting classes, students explore varieties of foods using all of their senses, have fun, and exercise choice. Two cooking and 33 tasting classes available free to download with registration (free)." |
Lower Elementary, PreK-Kinder, Upper Elementary | Cooking/Nutrtion | Go to Website |
| Nutrition to Grow On |
"For grades 4-6. An innovative curriculum for grades four through six that offers teachers a direct link between the garden and nutrition education. Nine lessons are designed to teach children and their families about nutrition by relating each lesson to a garden activity. The curriculum uses the garden to integrate disciplines, including science, mathematics, language arts, history, environmental studies, nutrition and health, while reinforcing some of the California academic content standards. 191 pages, download by lesson or whole document" |
Upper Elementary | Cooking/Nutrtion, General Garden Based Learning | Go to Website |
| WE Garden Garden-Based Learning Lessons |
"For grades 1-6. A web-based resource with the mission to increase awareness and understanding of agriculture among California's educators and students. Includes Lesson plans for grades K-12, as well as teacher resources, newsletters, student-teacher programs in California, and many other california based agrucultural education resources. Lesson plans available to download in full as PDF. " |
Lower Elementary, Upper Elementary | Ag Literacy/Food Systems, General Garden Based Learning | Go to Website |
| Kids Cook Farm Fresh Seasonal recipes, activities and farm profiles |
"For grades 2-7. Activities engage teachers and students in grades two through seven in exploring fresh, seasonal, locally grown produce through direct experience. Using tested recipes and farm profiles, Kids Cook Farm-Fresh Food links agriculture and the culinary arts to reading, mathematics, social sciences, and geography." |
Lower Elementary, Upper Elementary | Ag Literacy/Food Systems, Cooking/Nutrtion, General Garden Based Learning | Go to Website |
| Sow It, Grow It, Eat It Projects |
For grades PreK-6. Interactive website made to help in building your own edible playground. Lesson plans in the kitchen and the classroom available. Includes multiple arts and crafts projects surrounding the garden for every season. Lessons on-line. |
Lower Elementary, PreK-Kinder, Upper Elementary | Arts and Crafts, Cooking/Nutrtion | Go to Website |
| Huntington Garden Online Lessons: Garden Lesson Plans |
30 plus garden related lessons |
Middle School | Science, Social Studies | Go to Website |
| Nature's Partners - Pollinator Studies |
For grades 3-6. Nature's Partners is an inquiry learning-based curriculum for young people in the 3rd through the 6th grade. |
Upper Elementary | General Garden Based Learning, Science | Go to Website |
| Grow It, Try It, Like It! Preschool Fun with Fruits and Vegetables |
"For grades PreK. Grow It, Try It, Like It! Preschool Fun with Fruits and Vegetables is a garden-themed nutrition education kit for child care center staff that introduces children to: three fruits - peaches, strawberries, and cantaloupe, and three vegetables - spinach, sweet potatoes, and crookneck squash." |
PreK-Kinder | Cooking/Nutrtion | Go to Website |
| A Handful of Seeds |
For grades 2-6. Seed-Saving and Seed Study for Educators |
Lower Elementary, Upper Elementary | General Garden Based Learning | Go to Website |
| Life Lab's Science Exploration Units |
For grades 1-4. Created with lessons from the K-5 Life Lab Science Curriculum and The Growing Classroom our Science Exploration Units are garden themed and aligned to the California State Science Standards. |
Lower Elementary, Upper Elementary | General Garden Based Learning, Science | Go to Website |
| Dig Art! Cultivating Creatvity in the Garden |
A project guide for educators working with youth that integrates gardening with the arts. |
Lower Elementary, Upper Elementary | Arts and Crafts | Go to Website |
| Organic Opportunities |
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High School | Ag Literacy/Food Systems, Cooking/Nutrtion, Math, Vocational Ed Entrepreneurship | Go to Website |
| Eat Fit: Teacher Curriculum |
"EatFit is a goal oriented intervention that challenges adolescents to improve their eating and fitness choices This nine-lesson curriculum provides hands-on activities that teach students the skills they need to meet their goals. The Workbook includes 9 lesson plans and enhancements, recipes, educational standards, references, and answer sheets for the EatFit Student." |
Middle School | Cooking/Nutrtion, Leadership/Life Skills | Go to Website |
| Science and Our Food Supply - Investigating Food Safety from Farm to Table |
"The FDA in collaboration with the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) have created thi innovative, interactive supplementary curriculum for use in middle level and high school science classes. Provides challenging hands-on, minds-on activities that link food science and food safety to students' everyday lives. " |
High School, Middle School | Ag Literacy/Food Systems, Science | Go to Website |

A school garden in every interested Arizona and California school