The Mission is to cultivate learning through nature and provide opportunities for all learning styles to master life skills through hands-on experience in the garden. The South O Garden is committed to a future where our children are empowered with regenerative gardening and nutrition education in order to create a more sustainable and eco conscious community.

Tuesdays are gardens days at South O. When a class comes to the garden they are split in two groups. One group will be the Chefs and they go with Chef Eliza. Chef Eliza is a professional chef and Food Network’s Chopped Champion. She nurtures healthy eating habits and practical skills such as how to correctly use a knife (plastic age appropriate) and prepare food. The students learn how to create their own meals using fresh ingredients that are growing in the garden. We have had many picky eaters ask for more! The second group are the gardeners. This group will learn about life in the garden and how to grow fresh food. They will help with garden activities such as sowing seeds, harvesting, identifying beneficial bugs, feeding our worms in the worm bin, and other activities to nurture the garden. The students benefit in many way by being outside and connecting with nature. The classes will switch groups next time they visit the garden. It takes about 8 weeks for all the students in South O to have a garden class and a cooking class. 

  Many studies have shown that time in the garden relieves stress, encourages healthy eating habits, and promotes wellness in mental health. We have seen with our own eyes children shine in the garden and entire groups of students get excited to eat lettuce they just harvested- and want more! The garden space and garden program are what sets South O Elementary apart as an elementary school. 

This program is funded by grants but mostly donations. We need to raise $25,000 each school year to fund the program. A long term goal would be to grow the program so the students can come to garden class more often. They are always asking “ When do we come back?” Stay tuned for what events, fundraisers and volunteer opportunities.