Empowering Early Childhood Education Centers to Cultivate Vibrant Learning Gardens

The Extension Master Gardener℠ (EMG) Volunteers of Lee County are thrilled to announce the Digging Deep: Farm to ECE Raised Bed Garden Kit Grant program! This exciting initiative empowers child care centers to establish thriving vegetable gardens, fostering hands-on learning experiences for children, teachers, families, and the entire community.

Grant Opportunity

Selected child care centers will receive a comprehensive raised bed gardening kit valued at approximately $500. This kit includes essential tools and materials to jumpstart your garden, such as:

• Raised garden beds
• High-quality potting mix
• Age-appropriate gardening tools
• Vegetable seeds

In addition to the kit, EMG volunteers will provide ongoing technical assistance throughout the two-year grant period. Our knowledgeable volunteers will guide you through garden installation, maintenance practices, and creative ways to integrate the garden into your child care curriculum.

Benefits of a Child Care Center Garden

• Nurturing Young Minds: Gardening fosters a love of nature, teaches valuable life skills, and promotes healthy eating habits in children.
• Engaging Curriculum: The garden provides a dynamic learning environment, enriching STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) education and sparking children’s curiosity.
• Community Connection: child care center gardens create opportunities for family and community involvement, fostering a sense of shared purpose and collaboration.
• Improved Well-being: Studies show that spending time in nature reduces stress and improves mental and physical health for all ages.

Eligibility

Child care centers interested in applying for the Digging Deep Grant must designate a team of two participants:

• One teacher or director representing the center’s staff.
• One parent, grandparent, or guardian representing the child care center’s family community.

Selection Process

To ensure a successful garden experience, both designated participants must attend a Lee County Extension-sponsored gardening class before submitting a grant application. These classes are listed on the N.C. Cooperative Extension- Lee County Center website: https://lee.ces.ncsu.edu/events/.

Grant Timeline

• Application Period: March 1st – April 30th
• Application Deadline: May 1st
• Grant Recipient Notification: June 1st
• Garden CEU Requirement Start Date: July 1st
• Garden Bed Installation: Between August 1st and September 30th (Centers have flexibility to choose the optimal installation timeframe for them)

Grant Recipient Responsibilities

• Recruit volunteers: child care centers are encouraged to recruit volunteers from the parent community to assist with garden maintenance. EMG volunteers and Extension staff will also be available to provide support and host a fun community gardening learning activity.
• Installation notification: Selected centers must provide the Lee County Center Horticulture Agent with at least a two-week notice prior to the chosen installation date (contact: 919-775-5624).
• Monthly reports: To track progress and celebrate successes, child care centers will submit monthly reports detailing garden performance and integration into programming. Reports should include at least one photo of the garden beds.

Maintaining Your Garden Beyond the Grant

To retain the raised bed kits and materials after the two-year grant period, child care centers must complete the following requirements during the two-year grant cycle:

• Maintain consistent monthly updates throughout the grant period.
• Cultivate the garden for a minimum of three planting seasons.
• Participate in required continuing education workshops. These workshops will provide valuable knowledge and count towards Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for professional development.

N.C. Cooperative Extension- Lee County Center Support

N.C. Cooperative Extension- Lee County Center and the Extension Master Gardener Volunteers of Lee County are committed to your success! As a grant recipient, you will benefit from the following ongoing support:

• Comprehensive raised bed gardening kit valued at $500.
• Selection of seeds and plants to jumpstart your garden.
• Monthly check-ins by EMG volunteers via text message or phone calls.
• Extension Agent accessibility via text message for any questions or concerns.
• Free vegetable gardening classes specifically designed for child care center staff and families.
• At least one on-site visit per season by EMG volunteers to offer personalized guidance and support.

Ready to Grow with Us?

The Digging Deep: Farm to ECE Raised Bed Garden Kit Grant program is an exciting opportunity to cultivate a vibrant learning environment for your child care center. We encourage all interested child

To apply, please visit:

go.ncsu.edu/leecoecegardengrant2025

We look forward to partnering with you to create a thriving garden that benefits children, families, and the entire Lee County community!