School and Community Gardening Resources

School and community gardening has grown in popularity over the past several years. Our digital toolkit and resources below provide research-driven information for beginner and experienced gardeners. The collection includes lesson plans, garden grants, news, downloadable handouts, and video links pertaining to school and community gardeners.

Get started with the resources provided and contact one of our staff members for more information or to schedule a program.

Virtual School & Community Garden Training Starts Feb. 2025

This free three-part training series will help you gain the knowledge and confidence to start your school or community garden! Join Illinois Extension in Cook County for the 2025 training series. Attendance at all three sessions is highly recommended for new gardens requesting on-site assistance from Illinois Extension in Cook County.

Self-paced online garden course.

If you've ever wanted to start a school or community garden but were not sure where to start, the School and Community Gardens course is for you! This self-paced, research-based online class gives you the tools you need to teach youth to garden. Learn how to build a thriving, long-lasting school garden program of any size.

Learn more and enroll.

Digital Toolkit

Garden Planning

Community Garden Webinar Series

Interactive Garden Map

Resources

Learn More

Request Help from our Horticulture Team

To request assistance for your program, please click the link for your location and program needs:

School Garden Support: Cook County Extension offers support to schools looking to improve upon or implement gardening programs. Priority is given to school groups that attend/attended our school and community garden training.

Youth Horticulture Programs: Cook County Extension provides presenters that will engage students in hands-on learning experiences. Please request programs at least 10 weeks in advance to allow time to recruit volunteers.

Contact a local staff member for more information: