The American Heart Association  works closely with each school to assess its ability to successfully benefit from an American Heart Association Teaching Garden. The program is a functional addition to schools and can be as unique as the community it serves.

Once a school commits to the program, a school-wide planting day is scheduled.

The American Heart Association provides the materials for planting day, garden beds, organic soil, seedlings and plants, cooking demonstrations and other fun activities.

Schools receive an American Heart Association Teaching Garden Tool Kit with useful information including a school garden manual, lesson plans, school activation ideas, and parent and community resources.

With oversight from American Heart Association staff, the Teaching Gardens program provides volunteer opportunities for the community.

The American Heart Association measures program success with annual tracking reports.