Consulting Services for Schools

Text for Page

Our goal as volunteer consultants is to help organizations interested in creating or sustaining children’s gardens, school gardens, or outdoor learning environments, develop goals or focuses for their gardens, and help educate gardeners step by step as they plan and execute their gardens. We have online resources that address the benefits of school gardens and specifics about planning, design and development and a Master Gardener can consult with school staff and teachers to assist with planning a successful garden and educational program.

A Master Gardener volunteer consultant may help you:

• Determine objectives for the garden and student or children’s involvement
• Evaluate the garden site for soil suitability, orientation, size, etc.
• Determine basic needs (tools, irrigation, fencing, storage) including information about newer technology such as hydro and aero-ponics, towers, etc.
• Make choices on bed size, soil preparation, composting, weed and pest control, and summer/off season maintenance
• Determine plant materials or seeds to be planted and when to plant
• Identify the level of support needed from parents, teachers, and children and/or community leaders/members
• Provide educational resources and support for your garden team. While we can provide educational support for classes, age appropriate presentations, demonstrations, or hands on activities, we cannot teach children’s classes without a teacher or children’s leader present, nor can we supervise children’s behavior. We can help you identify standards and curriculum that activities support.
• Provide resources that will help you find grants that you can write to support your garden needs

Master Gardener volunteer consultants act as mentors and do their best to assist you with advice, support, and educational resource information to help you achieve your goals for a successful and sustainable garden project. All of Riverside County’s currently certified Master Gardeners have been finger-printed and have passed background screening by the California Department of Justice.

Its ultimate success depends upon your dedication and willingness to supply and organize the labor to accomplish all of the related tasks.

To request assistance from a Master Gardener, contact our Volunteer Services Coordinator, Rosa Olaiz by email or phone:
rmolaiz@ucanr.edu
(951) 683-6491 ext. 230