Although March is leaving Delaware like a lion, with chilly rain and rumors of one last snowstorm, spring has sprung. With warmer days promised, many schools are preparing to start planting their gardens—some have already begun using their patches for student exploration and learning.
Gardens are great laboratories. However, much like indoor laboratories, they can propose safety risks. Gardening tools are sharp, some plants are toxic, and student allergies can develop at any time without warning. It’s important to establish garden safety guidelines if your school has created an outdoor learning environment.
Here are a few simple rules to follow when involving students in outdoor programs.
- Teach children to never eat anything from the garden without first asking a knowledgeable adult.
- When weeding poisonous plants always require students to wear gloves and that they wash them with warm soap and water afterwards to reduce to risk of spreading the plants' oil. The oils can easily be spread from gloves to skin so important to wash them thoroughly. And any students with a hypersensitivity (e.g. to poison ivy), should not be part of this activity.
- Poisonous plants should never be added to compost piles.
- Store all chemicals (if your garden program includes the use of chemicals) in a safe, locked area away from small children. Do not allow students to use chemicals without adult supervision. Better yet, use natural organic fertilizer and pesticides.
- If you MUST use chemicals, require proper clothing when using chemicals. This may include goggles, gloves, aprons, and long sleeves and pants.
- Have a list of student allergies, reactions, and recommended treatments easily accessible.
- Consider requiring a parent permissions slip.
- Teach proper use of all gardening tools.
- If your garden uses stakes for tomatoes or other vegetables, make sure that they are taller than students.
- Discourage running and horseplay in the garden area.
- Test soil for chemicals and toxins before inviting students to participate.
- Have a procedure for emergency situations such as a fire, earthquake, tornado, or intruder, to safely move students into a protected area.
- Practice emergency drills with students while gardening so they are aware of what do in the event of an emergency.
- If in an area where Lyme disease is present, have students check exposed skin, and other areas for any sign of deer ticks; and know how to safely remove them!
Here are some additional resources that might be useful:
Safety in the Garden
Food Safety in the School Garden
Garden Safety Tips (Video)
Safety First
