CHAPTER XXXIX 



SCHOOL GARDENS 



THE school garden, perhaps more than any other 

 phase of nature work, seems to supply a natural demand 

 irrespective of locality. It has a definite mission to fulfill 

 in the city, as well as in the village and rural school. 

 While its purposes may differ in different schools, its value 

 as a factor in education is rarely questioned. It is worth 

 while not only because of its practical bearings, but because 

 it is exceptionally valuable on its educative and aesthetic 

 side. 



The location of the school, the size of the garden plot, 

 and the number of children must largely determine the 

 method of procedure in the management of any garden. 

 If the size permits, each grade should have a definite plot 

 set apart for its use. This should be divided into beds of 

 suitable size; four by ten feet with paths two feet wide 

 between make a workable arrangement. So far as possible 

 each child should be made responsible for the care of one 

 bed. At the same time he should feel a class interest in 

 the entire plot. The work of preparing the soil and form- 

 ing the beds should be done by the children so far as pos- 

 sible. 



Vegetables as well as flowering plants should be rep- 

 resented in each plot. It is not well to have the children 

 attempt to grow too many different kinds of plants at one 



