School Gardening Program Boosts Wellness and Healthy Eating
Cultivating curiosity through gardening
At ScottsMiracle-Gro, our mission to GroMoreGood takes shape in many inspiring ways. One standout moment unfolded in Ohio with Columbus City Schools, where a simple idea blossomed into something far more impactful. What began as a gardening project grew into a powerful movement—one that nurtures a deeper connection between children and the natural world. This program beautifully reflects the essence of GroMoreGood, inspiring a new generation to build lifelong bonds with nature.
Planting the seed
When teacher Katie Young posed a thought-provoking writing prompt—“Do you know where food comes from?”—she was surprised to find that none of her students identified the earth as the source. Determined to change this perspective, Katie helped bring about a meaningful shift.
In 2018, the Farm to School program in Columbus City Schools was launched through a partnership with ScottsMiracle-Gro, The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation, and The Ohio State University Extension. Equipped with gardening tools and Miracle-Gro products, educators began teaching students how to grow and care for gardens filled with fresh vegetables.
Nurturing growth
The program was warmly welcomed by both teachers and students. As enthusiasm spread, more schools joined the effort, and the results quickly surpassed initial hopes.
Unexpected rewards
Beyond learning about plants and healthy eating, students began to experience a range of emotional and mental health benefits.
High school students shared how gardening provided a calming, therapeutic outlet and brought a sense of tranquility.
In some schools, students even worked to involve their communities, expanding the gardens’ reach beyond the classroom.
Meanwhile, younger students delighted in tasting new fruits and vegetables—sometimes enjoying them as-is, other times blended into smoothies or used as toppings on homemade pizzas.
Click here to know more ScottsMiracle-Gro and the partnership with the Columbus City Schools.
At ScottsMiracle-Gro, our mission to GroMoreGood takes shape in many inspiring ways. One standout moment unfolded in Ohio with Columbus City Schools, where a simple idea blossomed into something far more impactful. What began as a gardening project grew into a powerful movement—one that nurtures a deeper connection between children and the natural world. This program beautifully reflects the essence of GroMoreGood, inspiring a new generation to build lifelong bonds with nature.
Planting the seed
When teacher Katie Young posed a thought-provoking writing prompt—“Do you know where food comes from?”—she was surprised to find that none of her students identified the earth as the source. Determined to change this perspective, Katie helped bring about a meaningful shift.
In 2018, the Farm to School program in Columbus City Schools was launched through a partnership with ScottsMiracle-Gro, The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation, and The Ohio State University Extension. Equipped with gardening tools and Miracle-Gro products, educators began teaching students how to grow and care for gardens filled with fresh vegetables.
Nurturing growth
The program was warmly welcomed by both teachers and students. As enthusiasm spread, more schools joined the effort, and the results quickly surpassed initial hopes.
Unexpected rewards
Beyond learning about plants and healthy eating, students began to experience a range of emotional and mental health benefits.
High school students shared how gardening provided a calming, therapeutic outlet and brought a sense of tranquility.
In some schools, students even worked to involve their communities, expanding the gardens’ reach beyond the classroom.
Meanwhile, younger students delighted in tasting new fruits and vegetables—sometimes enjoying them as-is, other times blended into smoothies or used as toppings on homemade pizzas.
Click here to know more ScottsMiracle-Gro and the partnership with the Columbus City Schools.
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