Across Louisiana, school gardens are increasingly used as outdoor classrooms, providing students with hands-on learning in science, nutrition and food systems. To support this work, the LSU AgCenter is hosting its annual Farm to School Garden Leadership Workshop later this month in Baton Rouge, offering educators training to build and sustain school gardens while integrating them into classroom instruction.
Hosted by Seeds to Success: The Louisiana Farm to School Program, the four-day workshop combines practical gardening instruction with interactive lessons designed to help educators turn school gardens into teaching tools across the curriculum. Participants explore seasonal planting, garden management and strategies for using gardens to support instruction in science, math, English language arts and other subjects.
Now entering its eighth year, the workshop has trained nearly 150 educators and supported the growth of school gardens and farm to school efforts in schools across Louisiana.
“School gardens create opportunities for students to actively participate in their learning,” Louisiana Farm to School Program director Crystal Besse said. “Whether students are planting seeds, harvesting produce or trying new foods, these experiences help make learning more meaningful and memorable.”
The training also highlights connections between school gardens and broader farm-toschool goals, including classroom learning, local food systems and school meal programs. Participants explore how gardens can serve as teaching tools across subjects such as science, math and English language arts. Participating educators receive resources and handson materials to support starting or expanding garden programs in their schools, including planting guides and tools for garden-based learning.
The workshop is open to Louisiana public and private school teachers, school garden educators and newly graduated teachers. It will be held May 26 through May 29 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Hill Farm Teaching Facility at LSU in Baton Rouge.
Participants can earn up to 24 continuing education credits upon completion. Registration is $80 and includes lunch each day along with more than $100 in gardening materials and educational resources. Participants must attend all four days to receive materials.
More information and registration details are available at Farm to School Garden Leadership Workshop Registration.
