Where to Grow Plants: The Basic Needs

Good plants start with a good location. You’ll need a site convenient for the school and one where plants will do well. Use a ‘checklist’ to review the benefits of each possible site and how well it meets your 

needs, short-listing locations as you go. If you already have a site in cultivation, use this checklist to help plan future use and development. 

Site access

Who owns the site and can it be used for growing year round? Are there appropriate security measures, eg gates or open access? Can vehicles reach the site for deliveries, eg compost? Can people with special educational and physical needs access the site? What features surround or overlook the site? What impact 

might they have, eg busy road?

Safe access

Is the ground safe to walk on and use wheelbarrows? Are existing garden structures safe, eg sheds and greenhouses? How safe are overhanging trees? Consult your local council tree officer if unsure.  Is there an up to date risk assessment? Are there signs of animal or human activity? What are the impacts or remedies, eg rabbits, vandalism?

Enough space

Is there room to grow everything you’d like to? Gardeners often outgrow their space quickly! Choose the biggest space you can, but don’t grow too much too soon. Instead, start small and develop slowly into the available space.

Stakeholder agreement

Has the school agreed the proposed choice, eg have staff, governors, caterers, pupils, etc been consulted? Have neighbours affected by your choice been consulted? Have you chosen a name for your site? If not, you could have a school competition.