Page 45 - School Garden Development Guide - 4th Edition

Summer Maintenance
• Will this garden be operational during the summer?
• Who is responsible for closing down the garden for the
summer?
• Who will oversee the garden during the summer months?

Closing Down the Garden
School gardens that will not be in use during the summer, must
be closed down and secured by the last day of school to avoid
unintended access or accidents.
1. Tools and garden materials must be stored properly and
inaccessible to students and others who may be on the school
campus during the summer. An interior storage room or code
compliant shed that can be locked is best.
2. Pots, tarps, containers and other items that can collect water
during the rainy season must be stored in such a manner to
prevent the collection of stagnant water that could allow Zika
mosquitoes to breed.
3. Garden beds should be left open and not tarped or covered
during summer.
4. Dispose of all unwanted or broken plant stakes, soil and other
materials that may be a hazard and/or attract unwanted pests.
5. Signage is recommended to alert everyone that the Garden is
“Closed for the Season.”

Hurricane Preparation
Be sure to secure all tools and lock garden sheds. All unsecured
items should be brought indoors. These items may include but
not be limited to:
• Unsecured garden ornaments
• Unsecured tables, benches or chairs
• Unsecured plastic storage sheds that are used to secure tools,
equipment and garden chemicals (plastic sheds and cabinets
are sometimes secured)
Please refer to the Risk and Benefits Management/Safety
section of this guide for more information relating to this process.

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