Resources
Our publications and other resources
Most of these publications are available in .pdf format, or will be soon. For how-to gardening information, see Cornell Gardening Resources.
Why Garden in New York State Schools? [14MB .ppt] - Are you looking for ways to share the excitement of school gardening with other teachers and educators? Need to convince your administrators of the benefits of beginning a garden in your school? Although you're familiar with all the merits, are you looking for research-based justification of why gardening is so important? Use this Powerpoint presentation to get everyone on board! Designed as a guided presentation, or a stand alone that can run on its own, this will help you rally others and build enthusiasm. Also available as a 1.2 MB .pdf file.
Sowing the Seeds of Success - This 28-page booklet details the organizational steps needed to initiate a gardening project that involves kids and the community, and to ensure program success over the long term. Key chapters highlight how to define roles and responsibilities, form and manage partnerships, create an identity, raise funds, and more. Available online. 
Garden in the City (1991)
Not limited to those living in the city. Designed for youth and adults who have had little experience with gardening and limited space. Covers the garden box, starting seeds, planning the garden, cleaning the site, breaking ground, planting, weeding, thinning, and harvesting. Lists supplies and tools you'll need; suggests activities for groups. 40 pp.
Available online [16 MB .pdf file]
The Appealing Apple (2000)
Do you know a mythological story about a golden apple? Are you aware of the interesting history of the culture of apples? Where is the star in an apple? Find out that, and more, while going on the apple's incredible journey. This is designed for adults to use with youth age 9 to 12 but it's adaptable for other ages, and everyone who reads it will enjoy the lore. Activities include making apple doll puppets, exploring apples in literature and playing historic games using apples. Also learn about how apple trees grow, flower, and produce their fruit. Taste tests, making cider, and career information are included as well as several easy and unusual recipes using apples. 28 pp.
Available online [10 MB .pdf file]
The Great American Peanut (1994)
Education and entertainment are integrated with history. Designed to encourage students to use their imagination while learning about peanuts and the farmers who have grown them. Useful in school curriculums, after-school programs, and home schooling. 20 pp. Available online [12 MB .pdf file]
The Humble Potato: Underground Gold (1995)
Through entertaining stories and hands-on activities, children will learn about potatoes--how to grow them and how they stack up nutritionally from the perspectives of science and socioculture. Explore potatoes through the eyes of three imaginary children: one who lived in South America in the year 1300, another in Ireland during the potato famine, and one in present-day Long Island. Designed for children aged 9 to 12, the project can be modified for older or younger children. Useful in schooling, home schools, and clubs. 40 pp. Available online [16 MB .pdf file]
Rice: Grain of the Ancients (1996)
Through an imaginary pen-pal who lives in northern China, and hands- on activities, including making rice paper, children learn about rice. They'll learn how to grow it and about nutrition, science, and socioculture. Designed for ages 8 to 12, the project can be easily modified for older or younger children. Useful in schools, home schools, and clubs. 40 pp. Available online [7 MB .pdf file]
Radishes to Riches: A produce marketing project for youth (1992) This workbook/manual helps youth or adults plan what to grow and how to market the crop. Provides a hands-on experience of producing the crop and carrying out a marketing plan to sell that crop for a profit. 24 pp. workbook. Available online [2 MB .pdf file]. Also available: leader's guide [1.2 MB .pdf file].Russian version | Russian leader's guide
Romanian version | Romanian leader's guide
The Three Sisters: Exploring an Iroquois Garden (2000)
Gain a better view of Native American culture. Exploring the foods, customs, and stories that evolved from the planting of corn, beans, and squash--the Three Sisters--will help you understand the values that surround these crops. Includes legends, the call for diversity, uses of the Three Sisters, and planting facts. Adults will enjoy reading this as well as using it with youth. 20 pp. Available online [13 MB .pdf file] Cooking with the Three Sisters (1994) Many people who have grown "the three sisters" in their garden requested recipes to try. We compiled some excellent recipes, several of which were shared with us by members of the famous Moosewood Restaurant in Ithaca, NY. $3. Contact Max Welcome for more information: mw45@cornell.edu. Also available online.
The Heirloom Vegetable Garden (1981)
History and horticulture under one cover! An illustrated look back at 36 varieties from the 1800s. Includes recipes. 28 pages. Available online [8.3 MB .pdf file]
In-Touch Science: Plants & Engineering (1999)
The In-Touch Science program (www.intouch.cornell.edu) emphasizes the fun of manipulating supplies and equipment and engaging in the scientific process of discovery. For grades 3 to 5, the program helps children communicate what they observe and learn, understand the science connection between two fields of study, and recognize science concepts in daily experiences. The 10 activities in this unit show children how each of five science concepts relates to plant science and engineering. 116 pp. .pdf coming soon.
Vegetable Fare: Displaying Vegetables at Their Best (1991) Covers proper harvest and storage with emphasis on exhibiting at fairs. Teaches general principles and provides specifics on more than 35 crops. 48 pp. Available online [13 MB .pdf file].
Young People's Guide to Landscaping (1985) Background and activity ideas, including design, transplanting, hardscaping and more. 19 pp. workbook. Available online [5.6 MB .pdf file]
Know Your Plant's Disease (1987) Background and 8 activity ideas, including diseased leaf collection, spore prints and apple scab forecasting. 20 pp. Available online [2.3 MB .pdf file]
Know Your Tree Diseases (1988) Background and 10 activity ideas, including black knot bouquets, leafspot booklets, and tree disease surveys. 28 pp. workbook. Available online [5.4 MB .pdf file]
Gardens of Fabulous Flowers (1992) For adults working with youth. Focus is on color in flower gardening and arranging cut flower displays. Descriptions of popular annuals and perennials make selection easy. 36 pp. Available online [8.7 MB .pdf file]
Using Plants to Bridge the Generations (1998) Horticultural Intergenerational Therapy (HILT) benefits the elderly by increasing their physical activity and mental stimulation. It also benefits youth by introducing them to horticultural concepts as well as showing them how to cultivate relationships with the elderly. Tells how to plan a HILT program, organize participants, and obtain funding. Includes long-term activities, such as planning an outdoor garden, planting bulbs and seeds, drying flowers, and building birdhouses. 69 pp. Available online [11 MB .pdf file]
Know Your Insects (1981) Includes guidelines for making an insect collection, including proper data collection and keys for the identification of specimens to order level, directions for making collecting equipment, suggestions of how, when and where to collect, references, and more. Also includes requirements for 3 years of general collecting for 4-H. 24 pp. Available online [7.6 MB .pdf file]Horticulture Study Guide for Youth - Website features 180 plant profiles plus images to help youth study for the New York Horticulture Contest. Online only.