Garden Plan Checklist
This checklist is intended to help Boston Public Schools that are designing new gardens. The following
Garden Specifications are to help create the garden plan, which is required for the Garden & Site
Improvement Project Application. The application form can be found at bostongreenschools.org.
Site Requirements
Locate underground utilities (1.1)
Locate the water source (1.2)
Locate garden based on available sunlight and accessibility
Plan Requirements
Determine raised bed type, dimensions, quantity, and layout (2.1, 2.3)
Source raised bed soil (5.2)
Determine fence type, if needed (2.4)
Determine pathway material (2.5)
Determine perennial planting plan, if needed (4.1)
Final Steps
Submit Garden Application to Facilities Management, include with it:
Site Map
Proposed Planting List
Proposed Project Budget
Construction Materials List
Additional Schematics (as needed)
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Garden Specifications:
Requirements for Gardens in Boston Public Schools
Boston Public Schools
Facilities Management
2014
1. General Requirements
Before you begin, these base requirements must be met to ensure safety and success in the garden.
1.1 Locate Underground Utilities
All underground utilities must be located within the proposed garden area prior to commencing any
work. You can call Dig Safe (811) to have underground utilities located.
1.2 Locate Water
Make sure that there is an external water source near your proposed garden site. Ask your custodian
about where there is water and how to access it.
1.3 ADA Compatibility
Designs should consider ADA compatibility. Applicable standards are referenced throughout this
document. The full ADA standards can be found at:
http://www.ada.gov/regs2010/2010ADAStandards/2010ADAstandards.htm#pgfId-1006229.
2. Design Requirements
Due to accessibility and maintenance, Facilities Management requires that garden beds built on BPS
property comply with the following design requirements:
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2.1 Raised Planter Boxes
The following garden bed types have been approved; any
other bed designs must be specified in the garden
application, to be approved by Facilities Management.
 Mortise and tenon garden bed kit
This prefabricated kit can be easily constructed by
volunteers. (Figure 1) http://gardenraisedbeds.com/
 4”x4” (or 6”x6”) garden beds
Figure 1: Mortise and Tenon Garden bed
This sturdy design requires some woodworking skills. It also has an
optional root viewing window. (Figure 2)
http://schoolyards.org/pdf/planter_w_window_specs.pdf
Bed specifications
 Garden beds should use rot resistant or heat treated wood,
but not chemically pressure treated wood.
 Landscape fabric should be used at the base of the beds.
 Beds should have a minimum of 8 inches of clean soil. Root
vegetables and large fruiting plants require at least 16
inches of clean soil.
Figure 2: 4"x4" Bed with Root Viewing Window
 Beds should have a commercially available soil/planting mix.
o Do NOT reuse soil from the site.
o Do not plant into pure compost.
o Make sure soil distributor tests for lead.
2.2 ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) for Raised Planter Boxes
Work surface height of raised planter boxes
Raised beds with a built-in work surface (i.e. a wide top edge for writing or sitting) should comply with
ADA standards.
 Elementary school – 26 to 30-inches high at the top of the box. (ADA 902.4)
 Middle school/high school – 28 to 34-inches high at the top of the box. (ADA 902.3)
Width of planter boxes
In consideration of reach into garden beds, maximum bed widths should be 48-inches. (ADA 308.3)
Space between planter boxes
In accordance with ADA standards, spaces between planter boxes are considered pathways and must
meet pathway clearance standards. (Section 2.5)
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2.3 Easements
To prevent any utility damage, and to allow future access to underground utilities with minimal site
damage, the following easements must be observed.
 Garden beds should be 4-ft from all buildings.
 Gardens must be 4-ft from underground utilities.
 Overhead lines must be at least 12-ft above gardens.
 Trees and shrubs must be 8-ft from underground utilities, and 16-ft from overhead lines.
2.4 Fences & Gates
Fences are strongly encouraged around large gardens to help
manage students and to discourage undesired or damaging
trespassing. The following fence types have been approved;
any other fence type must be specified in the garden
application, to be approved by Facilities Management.
 Black permafused chain link fence & gates, 4-ft high
Figure 3: Black Permafused Chain Link Fence
Chain link fabric shall be 6 gauge, framing pipe shall be
schedule 40. (Figure 3) http://notes1.fenceonline.com/Contract.nsf/Permafused%20Commercial.pdf
 Chain link fence, 10-ft high; chain link gates, 8-ft high
 Welded wire mesh fence, 4.5-ft high
http://www.omegafence.com/en/omega.php (Figure 4)
 Permanent tree protection fence
Gate design
 At least one 32” minimum clearance width ADA
pedestrian gate is required. (ADA 404.2)
 Locks should be Sesamee KCR0436 (standardized
Figure 4: Welded Wire Mesh Fence
combination for BPS gardens is 2-0-2-0).
http://www.sesamee.com/keyless-locks.html (you can also check amazon)
2.5 Pathways
Universal access should be considered in planning all pathways.
Pathway clearance
 The minimum clear path of travel must be 36-inches wide around all planter boxes. (ADA 403.5)
 The minimum clear path of travel for dead-end turnabout areas is 60-inch diameter. (ADA 304.3)
 No obstructions should be within the path of travel. (e.g. support posts, sprinklers, etc.)
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Acceptable pathway materials
All listed pathway materials are acceptable; any other pathway materials must be specified in the
garden application to be approved by Facilities Management.
Smoothest & Most Stable
Roughest & Least Stable
Asphalt
Chip seal
Stone dust*
Pavers
Pavers in stone dust
Engineered wood fiber
Deck
Pavers in mulch
*Stone dust must be compacted and 3-4 inches thick to be compliant.
Stone dust and engineered wood fiber are common pathway materials between garden beds.
3. Component Requirements
3.1 Composting Bin Options
The City of Boston has several resources for compost bins. The following compost bin styles have been
approved; any other designs must be specified in the garden application to be approved by Facilities
Management.
 Plastic compost bins
These bins are very simple to put together, are affordable, and generally work well.
http://www.cityofboston.gov/publicworks/wastereduction/composting.asp
 Welded wire compost bins
These can work well for yard debris, but are not suitable for food scraps because of pests. They allow
students to see the layers of decomposition for a great educational experience, and are easy to build.
http://www.cityofboston.gov/images_documents/welded%20wire%20bin_tcm3-39939.pdf
 Commercially purchased compost tumbler
These are not sold through the city of Boston, but can be very effective, and can help keep out pests.
http://www.woodlanddirect.com/Outdoor/Compost-Tumblers/Tumbling-Composter
 Vermi-compost
This system of using worms for composting is very fast and effective. The students might also enjoy
watching the worms work. It can be used to teach responsibility since the worms will need to be
"fed" periodically with new scraps. The city has one and two bin designs, and there are also
commercially available worm compost bins.
http://www.cityofboston.gov/images_documents/vermicompostingonebin_tcm3-39940.pdf (one bin)
http://www.cityofboston.gov/images_documents/vermicompostingtwobin_tcm3-39941.pdf (two bin)
http://www.naturesfootprint.com/OpenCart/worm-factory-Composters (commercial composter)
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3.2 Tool Sheds
Experience has shown that tool sheds are less likely to be broken into if the contents are visible (most
people won’t steal dirty gardening implements). The following tool sheds have been approved; all other
tool shed designs must be specified in the garden application to be approved by Facilities Management.
 Securall brand LP/oxygen storage cabinets
These storage units have been used as secure, yet visible tool storage in several gardens.
http://www.interstateproducts.com/securall/cabinets/lp_&_oxygen_gas_cylinder_storage.htm
 Commercially purchased tool sheds
Commercial tool shed are acceptable, but risk vandalism or damage.
Tool shed specifications
 Skylights or battery operated lights are the only acceptable means to light the shed. Electrical
wiring is NOT permitted.
 Locks should be Sesamee KCR0436 (standardized combination for BPS gardens is 2-0-2-0).
http://www.sesamee.com/keyless-locks.html (you can also check amazon)
3.3 Miscellaneous Structures
Custom-built enclosures, trellises, greenhouses, shade structures, arbors, etc. must be specified in the
garden application to be approved by Facilities Management. These structures must be constructed with
durable materials and finished to minimize future maintenance.
4. Plant Requirements
4.1 Plants
Plant lists and planting plans must be submitted with the Garden Application and approved by Facilities
Management. The following criteria are guidelines for developing garden planting plans.
Fruits and vegetables
Perennial plant stocks should be rated hardiness zone 6 or lower. One should consult The Old Farmer’s
Almanac and Green City Growers on best planting times, and for first and last frost:
http://www.almanac.com/gardening/planting-dates/MA/Boston
http://growmycitygreen.com/resources/what-you-can-grow/
Ornamentals and wild plantings
Boston Schoolyard Initiative has compiled a comprehensive list of acceptable plants for wild areas.
http://schoolyards.org/pdf/BSI%20SY+OC%20plant%20list%202011-1.pdf
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Non-approved plants
Although non-native plants allowed, no invasive species are permitted in school gardens. Mass
Audubon has compiled the following list of species invasive to Massachusetts.
http://www.massaudubon.org/learn/nature-wildlife/invasive-plants
4.2 Trees
Boston Schoolyard Initiative has compiled a comprehensive list of acceptable and Boston tolerant
ornamental plants, including trees.
http://schoolyards.org/pdf/BSI%20SY+OC%20plant%20list%202011-1.pdf
Fruit trees
Fruit trees are discouraged in favor of shrubs and contained vines for reasons of maintenance. Any fruit
tree planting must first be approved by BPS Facilities Management.
5. Support from BPS
Facilities Management would like to help support gardens in our schools to the best of our ability. For
more information or guidance in garden considerations please review the School Gardens Q&A
document available at www.bostongreenschools.org. We can also provide the following resources.
5.1 Yard Waste
Facilities Grounds Crew will pick up yard waste on request. Yard waste must be in paper leaf bags, sticks
must be tied into 3-ft bundles. Yard waste collected during peak times (i.e. spring and fall leaf raking)
will be picked up by an outside vendor.
Contact John McIntosh one week in advance to schedule a yard waste pick up. During peak times, please
contact your custodian to coordinate leaf pickups.
5.2 Garden Materials
Before requesting the following resources please contact your custodian to determine what resources
you already have available at your school.
All schools should have…
All Boston Public Schools should have the following:


Hose
Trash bags (not for yard waste)
Talk to your custodian about acquiring these resources. If your school does not have these you can
request them from John McIntosh.
New gardens may request…
Schools putting in new gardens can request these materials from Eli Semaan, two weeks in advance:
 Soil, up to 3 yards
 Mulch, up to 4 yards
 Stone dust
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Any school may request…
A tool request form can be submitted to John McIntosh to borrow these tools for volunteer projects:
http://bostongreenschools.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Tool-Request-Form.pdf
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
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Flat shovels
Garden rakes
Gloves
Leaf bags
Leaf rakes
Push brooms
Additionally, the Boston Public Works Department supports gardening across Boston by providing
compost to school sites free of charge. This compost is pre-tested and a suitable soil amendment for
vegetable gardens, but should not be used as the sole growing media. To place an order for delivery,
please contact Susan Casino, Recycling Director, at DPW.
Please specify the quantity of compost requested (5 or 10 yards) and the location for delivery.
5.3 District Contacts
Contact
Title
E-mail
Phone #
Primary Schoolyards Contact
[email protected]
Khadijah Brown
Director of Facilities
[email protected]
Susan Cascino
Recycling Director DPW
[email protected]
(617) 635-3142
Neil McCarthy
Landscape Management
Consultant
[email protected]
(978) 580-1759
John McIntosh
Materials Distribution
[email protected]
(617) 635-8745
Eli Semaan
Exterior Grounds, Chief
Civil Engineer
[email protected]
(617) 635-8300
Campbell
(617) 635-8300
Court St.
(617) 635-9162
5.4 Sample Gardens
The following schools have great examples of school gardens. Feel free to visit, with permission from the
school, for inspiration while designing your garden.
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
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Boston Latin Academy
David A. Ellis Elementary School (CitySprouts)
Mather Elementary School (CitySprouts)
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