BEST PRACTICES FOR SAFETY IN
SCHOOL GARDENS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Scope ....................................................................................................................................1
Adult Supervision ................................................................................................................1
Gardener Safety ...................................................................................................................2
Personal Protection ..............................................................................................................4
Water ....................................................................................................................................5
Underground Pipes and Cables ............................................................................................5
Raised Beds ..........................................................................................................................5
Fertilizers .............................................................................................................................6
Safe and Hazardous Plants ...................................................................................................7
Integrated Pest Management ................................................................................................7
Hazardous Weather ..............................................................................................................8
Water Features .....................................................................................................................9
Community Use Gardens .....................................................................................................9
Appendix A, List of Hazardous Plants ..............................................................................10
1.
SCOPE
a. This Best Practices applies to School Gardens and Community Gardens on school
grounds;
b. High school agricultural programs are beyond the scope of these Best Practices.
1) Contact the local Future Farmers of America chapter for more information.
2.
ADULT SUPERVISION
a. An adult should be present whenever students are in the garden area.
1) All adult supervisors are to be 21 years of age or older
Approved 12-17-2013
Best Practices for Safety in School Gardens
Page 2
b. Fencing with a locked gate protects students from entering the garden without an
adult.
3.
GARDENER SAFETY
a. Be aware of possible hazards to prevent injury.
b. Donations
1) Persons or families who donate plants, outdoor furniture, tools and equipment,
fertilizers, or any other materials or goods are to follow the district donation
policy.
c. Fire
1) Open flames are not permitted within the garden.
2) Enclosed flames, such as barbecues, ovens, and stoves are not permitted within
the garden.
d. Chemicals
1) Refer to paragraph 9. Fertilizers
2) Refer to paragraph 11. Integrated Pest Management
e. Gardening equipment and tools
1) Use the right tool for the task.
2) All equipment and tools should be checked weekly to ensure proper and safe
working condition.
a) Keep tools clean and sharp, as appropriate
b) Make sure that safety devices on the equipment are in place and functioning
properly before starting work.
3) Students in Kindergarten and grades 1 to 5
a) Students should only use blunt hand tools
b) Power equipment should only be used by staff or adult volunteers when
students are not in the garden.
4) Students in grades 6 to 12
a) All students using power equipment are to submit a signed Informed Consent
and Assumption of Risk Form before using the equipment
b) All students using power equipment are to be trained and tested before using
the equipment at the beginning of each year.
i.
Training should be based on the safety information provided in the
equipment owner’s manual,
Best Practices for Safety in School Gardens
ii.
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Training records should be kept at least one (1) year after the student
leaves the school.
c) All students using power equipment are to be supervised by the instructor
d) Instructors are to ensure to limit distractions while students are using power
equipment
e) Before starting up machinery, remove objects from the area in which you are
working that can cause injury or damage equipment, such as sticks, glass,
metal, wire, and stones
f) When using gasoline-powered equipment, never leave running while not in
use.
g) Handle gasoline carefully.
i.
Never fill gasoline tanks while machinery is on or when equipment is still
hot.
ii.
Wipe up spills.
iii.
Store gasoline in an approved 2-gallon container in a shed or custodial
closet.
i) Storage of more than 10 gallons of gasoline is to be in an approved
flammable liquids storage cabinet.
h) When using electrical equipment, pay careful attention to the cord and
connections at all times
i) Never work with electric power tools in wet or damp conditions. For
protection against electrocution, use a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI).
j) Ensure that extension cords are in good condition, are rated for outdoor use,
and are the proper gauge for the electrical current capacity of the tool
k) Disconnect spark plug wires on gasoline-powered tools and unplug electric
tools before making adjustments or clearing jams near moving parts
f. Housekeeping
1) Paths are to be clear of all items to prevent trip/fall hazards,
2) Hand tools and other equipment are to be put away after use,
3) Lumber, lattice material, plant supports, irrigation pipes, pots, and other garden
materials are to be neatly stacked and secured.
4) Clearing overgrown trees and brush in the garden can reduce the likelihood that
rodents and ticks will live there,
5) Remove any items that may collect standing water, such as buckets, old tires, and
toys.
Best Practices for Safety in School Gardens
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a) Mosquitoes can breed in them within days
6) Furniture should be discarded when worn out or damaged.
g. Hygiene
1) Gardeners are to use a clean bandana or other cloth to wipe the sweat off the face
or brow, but never use hands, gloved or not.
a) Never wipe your face or eyes with your hands while you are in the garden
2) Wash any exposed skin thoroughly when coming out from the garden.
h. Insects
1) Be aware of bee and wasp activity and flight paths
2) Eliminate mosquito habitats
a) Refer to d.5) above
i. Mammal and bird waste can contain viruses and fungi, so caution is needed for
cleanup.
4.
PERSONAL PROTECTION
a. Prevent exposure to harmful equipment, insects, and the sun by wearing proper
clothing and safety equipment.
b. Eye and face protection, such as approved safety glasses, goggles and/or face shields,
are to be worn when working with impact equipment (such as hammers and
mattocks) and power equipment.
c. Dust masks are to be worn when cutting pavers, tree branches or treated wood, or
when working with dusty soil on windy days.
1) Potting mix manufacturers also recommend a mask before opening a new bag.
d. Gloves should be worn to prevent blisters on hands.
e. Long pants are to be worn when working with power equipment that has a point of
operation below the knee, such as:
1) Lawn mowers
2) String trimmers
3) Roto-tillers
f. Students and instructors should wear sturdy shoes with slip-resistant rubber soles, and
closed toes and heals.
1) Students wearing flip-flops or other sandals will not be allowed to participate.
g. Use an insect repellant and sunscreen with sun protective factor (SPF) 15 or higher,
and both UVA and UVB protection.
Best Practices for Safety in School Gardens
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1) Remember that the hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. daylight savings time (9
a.m. to 3 p.m. standard time) are the most hazardous for UV exposure outdoors in
the continental United States.
2) Sunscreen and insect repellant are to be provided by the parent or legal guardian.
h. Wear a hat with a wide rim to shade the face, head, ears, and neck.
i. Always check your clothes and body for ticks.
5.
WATER
a. Make sure all water used in the garden – for watering plants, washing produce, and
washing hands – is potable (drinkable) water. In addition, water for washing hands
and produce should be running water to prevent recontamination.
1) If students are allowed to drink out of a hose, the hose should be approved to be
drinking water safe.
b. Some newly developed school grounds may have two separate water systems – one
for potable water and one for recycled water (used for irrigation). Check with the
district maintenance or grounds departments to determine if this is an issue at the
school site. Then make sure only potable water is used in the school garden.
6.
UNDERGROUND PIPES AND CABLES
a. Prior to developing the garden space, check with the school district maintenance or
grounds department and/or local utilities to determine if there are any underground
pipes or cables that may be a potential problem.
b. If digging begins without getting an “all clear,” the chance exists of running into
electrical cables, water pipes, or a gas main
7.
RAISED BEDS
a. All raised beds are to have the approval of the district facilities department.
b. Most raised beds in gardens are built with wood.
1) Approved woods
a) Soft woods such as pine and douglas fir are the least expensive, but will rot
quickly if in contact with the soil and are most likely to be infested with
insects.
b) Cedar and redwood are more insect- and weather-resistant, but are more
expensive.
2) Unapproved woods
a) Pressure treated wood is highly insect- and weather-resistant, but is not
recommended if the plants are intended for human consumption.
Best Practices for Safety in School Gardens
i.
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Chemicals added to the wood can leach into the soil and become absorbed
by the plants’ roots.
b) Chromated Copper Arsenate (CCA), creosote, pentachlorophenol, and tributyl
tin oxide are too toxic or irritating and should not be used as preservatives for
wood used for raised garden beds.
i.
Railroad ties and telephone poles are treated with creosote, and are
therefore unsuitable for use in school gardens;
c. Composite boards are sometimes used for raised beds
1) the best insect- and weather-resistant board material,
2) The most expensive board, but lasts the longest.
d. Masonry materials
1) Durable and sturdy
2) Should be built with proper footings and reinforcement for retaining dirt.
8.
FERTILIZERS
a. Synthetic chemical fertilizers are to be avoided.
b. The following organic fertilizers are encouraged:
1) Compost
a) Compost is by far the most widely used fertilizer and soil amendment in
vegetable gardens today.
b) Compost is easily made from all types of things from around the home, but
mostly from yard refuge and most vegetable peelings from the kitchen.
c) Compost adds beneficial microorganisms, greatly improves soil health, and
increases earthworm activity in the soil.
d) For completely animal-free products, consider alfalfa meal, cottonseed meal,
or other blends.
e) Never use composts or mulch from waste water treatment plants or other
sanitation facilities.
2) Fish and Seaweed Emulsions
a) Fish and seaweed (kelp) fertilizers are a great way to easily improve soil
nutrients and provide your plants a good feeding.
b) These organic fertilizers come in a liquid form and are mixed with water, then
used to water plants where nutrients are taken in through the leaves.
3) Herbivore Manures
Best Practices for Safety in School Gardens
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a) Manures from animals such as grass-fed cows, horses, rabbits and chickens
make great fertilizers.
b) Manures should always compost for a minimum of nine months before
applying it to a vegetable garden.
i.
Using fresh manures can burn plants and produce foul odors.
ii.
All animal manure is potentially hazardous and may contain E. coli as
well as other disease-causing pathogens.
iii.
Never use manures from animals such as dogs or cats, or manures from
humans.
c) Typically, manures are mixed with hay, straws, or alfalfa and set out to
compost before using.
9.
SAFE AND HAZARDOUS PLANTS
a. Care should be taken to ensure plants are safe and appropriate for the age of the
students.
b. Consult with the district nutrition services department before eating items from the
garden.
1) Follow the district policy for allergies.
c. Students are to be taught never to taste a plant unless an expert says it is all right to
eat.
d. Refer to appendix A, List of Hazardous Plants.
1) Source: California Department of Education.
2) This list is provided as a warning, not a prohibition.
3) To help identify plants, pictures of garden
http://www.bhg.com/gardening/plant-dictionary
plants
can
be
found:
e. Plants from which illegal drugs are derived are prohibited.
1) California poppies are not used to produce narcotics, and are suitable for growing
in school gardens.
10.
INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT (IPM)
a. Refer to the District IPM policy for pesticide use.
b. Pest infestations are to be reported to the school custodian or district maintenance
department.
1) All pest management products are to be applied by trained district staff;
2) No chemicals or other pest management products should be brought from home;
Best Practices for Safety in School Gardens
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3) The school district is required to annually notify all staff and parents or guardians
of students regarding pesticide applications. (Education Code (EC), section
48980.3);
4) The school district is to post a warning sign at each area of the school site where
pesticides are applied 24 hours prior to the application. (EC, section 17612 (d));
5) The school district is to keep records of all pesticide use. (EC, section 17611).
c. Regulating water use and providing weekly care of the garden can eliminate many
problems with pests and weed control.
11.
HAZARDOUS WEATHER
a. Review weather conditions and information prior to working in the garden and be
aware of any warning. Evaluate the weather and event:
1) National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
805-278-0760
2) National Weather Service
805-988-6610
b. Heat
1) Even being out for short periods of time in high temperatures can cause serious
health problems.
2) Monitor activities and time in the sun to lower the risk for heat-related illness.
3) If outside in hot weather for most of the day make an effort to drink more fluids.
4) Avoid beverages and drinks high in sugar, and stay away from caffeinated and
carbonated beverages.
5) Whatever the outdoor activity, have water on hand to decrease the risk of
dehydration.
6) Canopies and/or umbrellas are also recommended to provide protection from the
sun.
c. Thunderstorm
1) Upon seeing lightning or hearing thunder, immediately move all students and staff
indoors. Do not wait for the rain to begin falling.
2) While indoors, stay away from windows and doors; refrain from using telephones,
electrical appliances, computers, or plumbing fixtures; and do not lie on concrete
floors or lean against reinforced masonry walls.
3) Remain indoors for at least 30 minutes after the last lightning is observed or the
last thunder is heard.
4) For additional information, refer to Thunderstorm Safety Information Sheet.
Best Practices for Safety in School Gardens
12.
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WATER FEATURES
a. All garden water features need fencing with a locked gate separating the water feature
from all other school activities,
b. All garden water features require weekend and school break control measures,
c. All garden water features require treatment and a filtration system,
1) Untreated water provides opportunities for insects, including mosquitoes, to
breed,
2) Treatment and filtration systems add to the maintenance burden of the school
d. A supply of fish- or other aquatic animal- food is likely to attract rodents,
e. Rodents and a water supply have potential to attract predators such as coyotes.
13.
COMMUNITY USE GARDENS
a. Each gardener must complete a Liability Waiver form before any work in the garden
can begin.
b. Each gardener is responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of their garden plot.
1) Watering, weeding, harvesting, and any other garden-related maintenance are all
the responsibility of the gardener.
2) Gardeners may arrange for other gardeners to water their plots.
c. The application of herbicides (weed killers) and insecticides (bug killers) to the
garden plots is prohibited.
d. Gardeners are responsible to bring their own tools, hoses, and watering equipment.
e. Gardeners are responsible to keep the garden gate closed at all times.
f. Children are welcome in the garden but must be accompanied by an adult and must
be supervised at all times.
g. Garden plots should be cared for at least once a week.
1) It is the gardener's responsibility to notify the coordinator if he or she is not able
to care for their plot in any given week.
2) If any plot remains unattended for more than three weeks that plot is subject to
reassignment.
h. Gardeners may harvest vegetables and flowers from their garden only.
i. At the end of the growing season, gardeners are responsible for clearing their plot of
all plant material and leaving the plot as they found it in the spring.
Best Practices for Safety in School Gardens
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APPENDIX A
LIST OF HAZARDOUS PLANTS
1.
Hay Fever Plants

Grasses

Ragweeds

Flowering trees, especially Alnus (Alder) and Quercus (Oaks)
2.







3.
Dermatitis & Skin Rashes
Buttercup
Cactus-like
Euphorbias
Carrots
Crown of Thorns
Datura
Dill
Fennel








Gas Plant
Iris
Jimson Weed
Lady’s-slippers
Nettles
Parsnips
Poinsettia
Poison Hemlock





Poison Ivy
Poison Oak
Poison Sumac
Rock Poppy
Snow-on-theMountain
Plants That Harm When Eaten

Amaryllis

Cherry, Wild Black

Hyacinth

Autumn Crocus

Chokecherry

Jack-in-the-pulpit

Azalea

Crocus, Autumn

Jequirity Pea

Baneberry

Daffodil

Jerusalem Cherry

Belladonna

Daphne

Jimson Weed

Bittersweet

Datura

Laburnum

Black Locust

Delphinium

Lantana

Bleeding Heart


Larkspur

Bloodroot
Dieffenbachia
(Dumb Cane)

Lily-of-the-valley

Digitalis
(Foxglove)

Lupine

English Ivy

Marijuana

Euonymus

Marsh Marigold

False Hellebore

Mayapple

Glory Lily

Mistletoe

Golden Chain Tree

Monkshood

Holly

Morning Glory

Mountain Laurel

Boxwood

Burning Bush
(Euonymus)





Buttercup
Caladium
Castor Bean
Celastrus
Cherry, Jerusalem
Best Practices for Safety in School Gardens

Mushrooms, Death
Angel (Amanita)

Narcissus

Nightshade

Oleander

Peyote

Philodendron
Page 11

Poinsettia

Rhododendron

Poison Hemlock

Rhubarb Leaves

Pokeberry

Skunk Cabbage

Potato Vines,
Sprouts from
Tubers, Green
Tubers

Taxus (hemlock,
yew)

Water Hemlock

Wisteria

Privet
Source: California Department of Education
http://www.cde.ca.gov/ls/nu/he/gardensafety.asp
To help identify plants, pictures of garden plants can be found:
http://www.bhg.com/gardening/plant-dictionary