Topa Topa Elementary School Garden

Food for Thought Ojai (FFTO) is the lead organization behind school gardens, agricultural literacy, environmental awareness and school food improvement in the Ojai Unified School District. Our School Garden Program brings knowledge, dedication, consistency and technical skills to create amazing school gardens, which enhance the educational experience of local students. The Topa Topa Elementary School Garden has been under the care and expertise of FFTO since 2005 and over the past 7 years this vibrant school garden has become the jewel of the campus with curriculum offered for several grade levels and a weekly lunchtime Garden Club open to all students. In 2011-12 Topa Topa students made 1,400 visits to the garden for weeding, planting, watering, compost sifting, observing, harvesting and the favorite, garden fresh taste testing! Students who participate learn about seasonal fruits and vegetables, seed saving, plant propagation in the garden greenhouse and irrigating with collected rainwater. Students also sell produce, seeds, and plant starts at Topa Topa Garden Club produce stands several times over the school year.