Dig Day Training

Current Phase & Next Steps

• School garden campaigns are wrapping up
• We're finalizing material delivery logistics

Dig Day Times

• Generally in the morning from 9am - 1230pm
• Depends on number of volunteers
• Depends on size of garden

Supplies

• All school garden supplies delivered to school by Dig Day
• Soil, raised beds, tools, seeds, etc

You Need to Bring

• Clipboard (optional)
• School garden design - print
• 2 Sign-in sheets - print
• Compost Bin directions - print
• Pens
• Camera
• Wear Healthy Planet t-shirt

Your Role

• Facilitate
• Teach
• Take Photos
• Build
• Set up and Clean Up
• Send Photos and Recap

Video: How to Build an Eartheasy Farmstead Raised Garden Bed

Video: How to Build A Compost Bin

Video: Drip Irrigation Installation 

Video: Convert Faucet to Drip Line 

Beginning of Day

• Explain day to everyone
• Show garden design (this is just a guide - the design can change at the Dig Day)
• Show materials and tools being used
• Demonstrate how to build beds
• Soil goes in beds after built and in place
• Remind everyone to sign in

Common Tasks for the Day

• Clear area using rakes, shovels, etc. of large shrubs, prickly plants, tall grasses, invasive plants, or any other material that could disrupt the garden
• Lay out garden bed kits in accordance with Garden Design
• Organize groups of volunteers to measure and cut out chicken wire and landscape fabric

Tasks (cont)

• Organize groups of volunteers to put together drip irrigation
• Make sure beds are in right spot
• Fill beds just about to the top (leave an inch) with soil-compost mix
• Planting isn't necessary today, but water any starter plants (pots, etc)
• Build Composter

End of Day

• Get a group picture
• Clean up and sweep the garden area
• Put all supplies belonging to the school in the tool shed or storage
• Email photos to Bryan and complete online recap form within 24 hours

Safety

• Teach everyone how to use shovels, rakes, wheelbarrows, etc
• Make sure to place tools in a safe area after use so that they will not be stepped, tripped or fallen onto
• If a child is struggling with a task, give them a different task with a friend
• Make sure kids are supervised with tools

Next Steps

• Bryan will send email to school re Dig Day info with you CC'd
• Review your Dig Day dates
• Review your schools/locations
• Review Media & Photo Guidelines
• Review Media Talking Points

Resources

• www.healthyplanetus.org/healthy-growing/resources/volunteer-resources
• Videos
• Sign in Sheet & Recap Form
• Media Guidelines
• Expense Reimbursement Forms
• Dig Day Instructions