The 2026 Growing School Gardens Summit Was in Full Bloom!

February 2026

From February 19-22, 2026, over 500 school garden educators and garden champions gathered in Phoenix, AZ, for the Growing School Gardens Summit, a powerful celebration of learning, connection, and inspiration in the school garden movement. The Summit is hosted by the Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation in partnership with Life Lab and the School Garden Support Organization (SGSO) Network.

Day 1 set the tone with music, reflection, and community: a youth mariachi band opened the Summit, educators shared their big garden dreams, and pre-conference field trips brought hands-on learning to life with aquaponics demos, worm bins, and cultural garden experiences.

Day 2 sparked creativity and fresh ideas with cooking demonstrations, workshops, and outdoor lessons that left participants energized and equipped with new tools.

By Day 3, the energy was contagious. Attendees explored local school gardens and swapped tips during peer learning communities.

Across keynotes, field trips, workshops, and informal conversations, the Summit reinforced what this community already knows: school gardens are vibrant places of growth, connection, and possibility.