Growing Stronger: Incorporating Culturally Responsive and Sustaining Practices in Garden-Based Education

Abstract: Garden-based education (GBE) improves student motivation and connection to nature. Because gardening connects people and traditions, this study sought to understand how GBE educators incorporate student cultural identities. This qualitative study analyzed participant-created digital stories and subsequent interviews representing garden programs at secondary schools in the United States. An analysis of themes, based on the New York State Education Department's Culturally Responsive-Sustaining (CR-S) Education Framework (2019), evaluated common principles of environment, instruction, assessment, and professional learning. Results indicate commonalities such as building relationships and facilitating student leadership. Stakeholders may benefit from GBE resources focused on justice and cultural sustainability.