By Erika Borg

Gardening classes are a great way for kids to learn about the environment, nutrition and ecology. And if dirt is involved, you know kids are going to love it. Several local schools offer gardening as part of an integrated curriculum, and after-school programs and private classes also are available throughout the Bay Area.

Green thumbs are getting smaller as kids’ garden programs take root.
Tiny seed becomes tender stalk, sprouting leaves and flowers. Gardening is a fascinating pursuit that provides children with an intimate look at the cycles of nature and gives them a sense of pride and accomplishment. Plus, it’s fun. A growing number of Bay Area gardening programs, public gardens and gardening experts offer kids a chance to experience the pleasures of gardening.

San Francisco’s Backyard Garden
A natural starting place for families interested in gardening together is Strybing Arboretum in Plant your own "sipping garden"!

To get a sense of plants that are native in far-flung areas, yet flourish in San Francisco, Huddle recommends exploring more exotic areas such as the New Zealand collection and the New World Cloud Forest Garden that features passion vines, fuchsias and dahlias found in Chiapas, Mexico. You can let your kids sneak along little trails, run along the demonstration-garden and find their favorite places.

To encourage families to get involved in gardening, the arboretum hosts a family storytime and guided children’s walk through the garden on the first and third Sundays of the month. The arboretum also offers family gardening days throughout the summer (see the Resource Box for days and times) as well as classes for adults.

Be sure to visit Strybing’s reading room and library, which is filled with books on horticulture and includes an extensive children’s section.

Schools Cultivating Gardening Classes