Skolträdgårdar

Skolträdgårdar are gardening spaces located on or near school grounds where students participate in growing and caring for plants as part of their education. They typically include vegetable beds, fruit trees, herb plots, and sometimes composting areas or small greenhouses. The activities are designed to support learning in science, health, mathematics, and home economics, while promoting hands-on engagement with nature and food production.

In many Swedish schools, skolträdgårdar serve as a practical platform for inquiry-based learning. Students plan what to plant, monitor growth, record observations, estimate yields, and reflect on ecological cycles. They may also participate in cooking or nutrition projects that use produce from the garden. The gardens often support cross-curricular work, linking biology and environmental studies with math through measurements and data collection, and with geography and social studies through seasonal cycles and community connections.

Organisation and governance of skolträdgårdar vary. They are commonly maintained by school staff with involvement from students, parents, and sometimes local community groups or municipal programs. Funding can come from school budgets, parent associations, grants, or partnerships with local farms and NGOs. Safety, accessibility, and inclusivity are important considerations, along with training for teachers to integrate garden activities into lesson plans.

Benefits and challenges: skolträdgårdar can enhance science literacy, health and nutrition awareness, and environmental stewardship, while developing teamwork and responsibility. They may face challenges such as limited time in the school day, maintenance demands, and the need for ongoing funding and professional development. Support networks and shared resources help schools implement and sustain these gardens.