OSGI School & Youth Garden Program Outline

“Learn Soil. Grow Food. Restore the Earth.”
Our OSGI Young Learners, School, and Youth Gardening Program's Purpose is to
help students understand the importance of healthy soil through hands-on gardening, soil testing, and community involvement. The program connects schools with local gardeners and farmers who volunteer their knowledge and support.

  • Educational Goals

    Teach students what soil is, why it matters, and how it supports life
    Build hands-on skills through gardening, composting, and observation
    Strengthen understanding of plant growth, ecosystems, food systems, and climate

  • Community Goals

    Connect schools with local gardeners and farmers for mentoring
    Encourage students to participate in community garden-building
    Create garden spaces in areas with limited green spaces or fresh food access

  • Environmental Goals

    Improve local soil health
    Promote regenerative and nature-friendly growing practices
    Introduce students to soil restoration tools like Earth Juice blends

OSGI Program Components

School Garden or Soil Learning Plot

Each school designates a space to serve as a:

  • Garden bed
  • Raised planter
  • Container garden
  • Pollinator patch
  • Earth Juice Test Plot

Farmer/Gardener Mentorship

Local volunteers support the school by:

  • Teaching simple gardening methods
  • Helping prepare the soil
  • Showing how to plant and care for crops
  • Assisting with student-led garden days

Student Soil Steward Teams

Small student teams help:

  • Maintain the garden
  • Track soil and plant data
  • Present findings to their class or school
  • Support new garden projects in local community spaces