Program FAQs

We’ve compiled our most commonly asked program questions below. For specific growing questions, please see the Growing a Great Garden section. For learning questions, please see the Learning in the Garden section.

What are the goals of the program?

Little Green Thumbs is an indoor classroom gardening program which creates dynamic learning opportunities for teachers and students by supporting them to grow food in their classrooms. Through the act of observing nature, working with plants and growing food, there are many opportunities to deepen student understanding of agriculture, food literacy, environmental stewardship and positively affect social and emotional well-being. Our goal is to support teachers to facilitate these outcomes through hands-on, inquiry based learning using their Little Green Thumbs garden. You can find out more about our goals here.

What if I can no longer take part in the LGT program – Can I pass the kit on to another teacher at my school?

Absolutely! We understand that the program can be demanding, and we ask that we are informed if you are no longer able to be part of the LGT program. We require the new teacher to participate in the LGT teacher training and to connect with your local LGT coordinator. If you are no longer able to continue with the program, please let us know so that we can find a new home for your LGT garden equipment.

What if I am going to change schools – Does the garden kit stay at my current school or move with me?

We’ve chosen to invest in our Little Green Thumbs teachers, and so a garden kit stays with the teacher as they move schools, rather than at the school. This is because of the training investment and support that has been provided to teachers joining the LGT program. If your school is eager to continue with the LGT garden or you have been sharing your garden with multiple classrooms, please contact your local coordinator to see if arrangements can be made.

How can I connect with other LGT teachers?

The best way to connect with other Little Green Thumbs teacher is through the Little Green Thumbs teacher facebook group. This is a forum for sharing ideas, questions, issues and resources. This group differs from our Facebook group, as it is only LGT teachers and coordinators. Please join the group here. There are Little Green Thumbs teachers across the provinces of Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Newfoundland. You can check out our map of schools hosting the Little Green Thumbs program on our website. If you are looking for a specific teacher’s contact information, please contact your local LGT coordinator.

I have a program issue. Who am I supposed to contact?

Contact your local Little Green Thumbs teachers with any program issues to which you can not find answers in the Teacher Portal or manual. This includes questions about growing, equipment and learning resources. You can find your local coordinator contact information here.

I have completed the 3 years of support & mentorship for the program. Can I continue to access the teacher portal? How much will replacement suppies cost each year?

Some of our regional programs consider the LGT program a three year mentorship program. Teachers leaving the 3 year model will continue to have access to the LGT teacher portal and LGT teachers Facebook group forever, but we ask that you continue to share your results and feedback via our year end teacher survey. The fulfillment of replacement supplies is the decision of each regional LGT program individually. Please contact your local LGT coordinator to find out whether you can expect replacement supplies for your garden from year to year.