By agreeing to have a garden, we agree to all of the district's Rules, Procedures and Guidelines below:
Garden Rules
Always wear close-toed shoes in the garden
Always walk (don't run!) when in the garden
Always ask before using any tool, or picking anything
Do not disturb the bees, wasps or spiders. They are doing important work
Respect the plants, the non-living things, and each other
Wash your hands when you leave the garden
Safety Procedures
Every school garden in Surrey must follow the Safety and Maintenance Agreement, which was agreed to upon approval. It is reviewed by the Garden Committee twice yearly (once before growing season, and once after).
All staff and students who use the garden are required to have an orientation on the Garden Safety Guidelines and the Food Safety Guidelines.
Staff must be aware of students with allergies to specific foods, plants or insects and who is able to administer treatment in case of emergency
General Rules must be posted prominently at the entrance of the garden
Students must be supervised at all times in the garden
Another application must be submitted if we want to expand your garden
If we are no longer able to care for our garden, we must notify the grounds department, and our garden beds will be used as a district asset elsewhere
Monitor for and document the presence of animals, and properly remove contaminants
Garden Safety Guidelines and Food Safety Guidelines must be posted in a prominent spot
Tools:
Tools must be maintained correctly so they are safe to use
Students may only use tools when they are instructed to do so, and must be closely supervised
Students working with large tools must be in a different area than student kneeling and working with smaller spades and other tools
Use the right tool for the job, and ensure it is age appropriate (for example, rounded spades for younger students)
Store tools in a secure spot when not in use. 'Tool Stop' point to be clearly identified and all tools returned here when not in use
Ensure adequate working space for students when they are working around garden beds
Inspect tools regularly for damage and replace when needed
Donated items must be of the same quality as the district standard and must be safe for use in schools
Slips and Trips:
Ensure garden site is level
No running or climbing in the garden
Remove fallen leaves before using the garden to prevent slipping
Keep paths in garden clear from tools and clutter (rubbish, water collections, garden tools, trip hazards, etc.)
Only close-toed footwear should be worn in the garden area
Insects
Be aware of any wasp or bee nests. Report any nests near the site to the Grounds Department
Be aware of any children who have severe allergies to bee stings and know the symptoms of an allergic reaction
Do not touch any insects or spiders
Use gloves and/or tools when digging or planting in the garden
Avoid disturbing bees/wasps and spiders. The garden needs these insects and we do not want to interrupt the good work they are doing
Materials
Only district approved, self-watering raised garden beds are acceptable for school gardens
Digging directly into the ground is not permitted due to unknown soil contaminants
Pesticides/herbicides are not allowed to be used in the gardens
Do not sue pressure-treated wood, railroad ties, or single use plastics in the school garden
Do not use products coated with lead-based paint or other potentially contaminated coating
Use only district-approved fertilizer or soil enhancer
Food scraps/food waste may not be added to the garden soil
Plants and seeds used in the garden must be free of noxious weeds. Invasive species must be avoided
Store all fertilizer in a safe and locked location when not in use
Do not use raw animal manure in the garden as fertilizer due to microbial concerns
Only potable (drinking) water may be used for irrigation
Weather
Weather-appropriate clothing is to be worn while learning and working outside
When the weather is hot, remember to drink water, and make use of shady areas where possible
Sunblock and hats to be worn while working on sunny days
In wet weather, paths may be slippery!
In windy weather, avoid working near trees with large branches
Plants
Avoid planting hazardous plants in the school gardens
Students should be instructed to ask before picking anything in the garden
Wear gloves, especially when working with plants associated with skin irritation (e.g. asparagus, carrots, pumpkins, and squash)