Page 80 - School Garden Development Guide - 4th Edition

Vegetable Gardens

Just as each school is different, so is the garden that will work
best for its population. Choose produce based on tastes, cultures,
and desires of the students, staff, and community that the school
garden serves.

As you determine which vegetables to grow, be sure to choose
plants appropriate to the growing season in which you are
planting. Remember, we are in growing zones 10a and 10b.
Another aspect to consider is choosing the right plant for the
right place. It is very important to understand the sunlight and
water needs of each plant to ensure successful outcomes.

There are many options available, for more information about
growing seasons for the South Florida area, take a look at this
Planting Season Guide provided by the University of Florida,
Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS).

Planting-and-Harvesting-Guide-From-IFAS.pdf

Nutritional Benefits
To maintain good health and wellness, it is recommended that we
eat the colors of the rainbow. This practice will help to ensure that
we take in the appropriate amount of nutrients.

To keep things simple, choosing produce in the following color
groups are recommended: red, orange/yellow, green, blue/
purple and white. To remain in alignment with what we can grow
on school campuses, the color group has been included on the
approved vegetable list on the next page.

Red fruits and vegetables contain flavonoids, vitamin C, folate,
and the powerful antioxidant lycopene. Together these nutrients
support heart health and memory and may help reduce the risk
of several types of cancer.

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80 School Garden Development Guide - 4 Edition