School Gardens: A Qualitative Study on Implementation Practices

Nele Huys, Katrien De Cocker, Marieke De Craemer, Marleen Roesbeke, Greet Cardon and Sara De Lepeleere
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Nele Huys: Department of Movement and Sports Sciences, Ghent University, Watersportlaan 2, 9000 Gent, Belgium
Katrien De Cocker: Department of Movement and Sports Sciences, Ghent University, Watersportlaan 2, 9000 Gent, Belgium
Marieke De Craemer: Department of Movement and Sports Sciences, Ghent University, Watersportlaan 2, 9000 Gent, Belgium
Marleen Roesbeke: Logo Gezond+, Baudelokaai 8, 9000 Gent, Belgium
Greet Cardon: Department of Movement and Sports Sciences, Ghent University, Watersportlaan 2, 9000 Gent, Belgium
Sara De Lepeleere: Department of Movement and Sports Sciences, Ghent University, Watersportlaan 2, 9000 Gent, Belgium

IJERPH, 2017, vol. 14, issue 12, 1-12

Abstract: School gardens have beneficial effects on children’s dietary behaviors but information on its implementation is scarce. The current study aimed to gain insight in implementation practices of school gardens and in perceptions of key members and children towards a school garden. We conducted twelve interviews involving 14 key members and five focus groups with 38 children from fifth to sixth grade (10–13 years old) in four primary schools in Ghent (Flanders, Belgium). We analyzed the interviews and focus groups in NVivo, using thematic analysis. School gardens were mainly initiated to involve children in nature, not to improve vegetable consumption. Participants were positive about having a school garden, experienced facilitating factors (e.g., adaptability of the garden, having a person responsible for the garden), but also various barriers (e.g., difficulties with startup, maintenance during summer holidays and integration in the school curriculum) and suggested some solutions (e.g., involving external organizations and parents, expanding the garden) and motivating factors for children (e.g., colorful plants, use of gloves). In order to improve implementation and to contribute to children’s health, future school gardening projects should take the recommendations of key members and children into account.

Keywords: primary school; gardening; children; key members; vegetables (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2017
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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