Criteria for a Good Site

Whether you have an existing garden or not, site assessment is the key to long-term success. 

Criteria includes:
  • Well-drained soil, free of heavy metals such as lead
  • Full sun and protection from wind
  • Proximity to a water source
  • Nearness to classrooms or meeting place with seating and shade
  • Storage space for tools and equipment
  • Availability of additional space for composting, pathways, improvements, expansion

child walking

Other things to consider:
  • Are there on-site materials that need to be removed, such as blacktop or debris?
  • Should you perform a soil test before planning? If so, contact your local Cooperative Extension Office.
  • Is the site location safe for participants? (Will motion-sensor lights be needed, and can they be installed?)
  • Will you need a fence to prevent unwanted wildlife from entering?
  • Is there a “garden guardian” who lives nearby who can watch over the site to help prevent theft or vandalism?
  • Will you have a garden sign (or numerous signs) to educate visitors when no one is available to answer questions?
  • How can you ensure the site is accessible to all?
  • Are there public restrooms nearby?
  • Is the site easy to get to? Accessible by public transportation? Is parking available? Does it have a bike rack?
  • Have you communicated with the groundskeeper of the site?

Take a moment to look at your proposed or existing garden site, and use the checklist below to assess the criteria needed for a sustainable garden. Keep this for your own records, and continue to look back on it to make any improvements as needed. Criteria for School Garden Site (pdf)

watering garden

Many school and community garden leaders have shared that the major setback for their programs was that they did not anticipate the level of maintenance required, especially over the summer months. 

Take time to look at Cornell Garden-Based Learning's Sustaining the Garden page for valuable information and tools about organizing garden maintenance over the summer.

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