THE BENEFITS AND CHALLENGES OF SCHOOL GARDENING IN STUDENTS OF PRIMARY EDUCATION

Abstract

School gardening has increasingly emerged as a valuable pedagogical approach within primary education, particularly in response to growing concerns about environmental sustainability, student engagement, and the need for innovative teaching methodologies. This study examines the historical development, curricular integration, educational benefits, and implementation challenges of school gardening in the Spanish primary education system, drawing on a systematic qualitative review of both national and international literature. The research explores how garden-based learning contributes to students¿ academic achievement, scientific literacy, environmental awareness, and social and emotional development, while also analysing current Spanish educational legislation¿particularly the LOMLOE¿and selected school gardening initiatives implemented across different autonomous communities. The findings reveal a strong convergence of evidence supporting the effectiveness of school gardening as an interdisciplinary educational tool; when properly integrated into the curriculum and supported by institutional frameworks, school gardens promote experiential learning, foster key competencies, and enhance student motivation and participation across multiple subject areas. Furthermore, the study highlights the alignment between school gardening practices and broader educational goals, including competency-based learning and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, despite its recognised benefits, the implementation of school gardening in Spain remains uneven due to factors such as limited financial resources, time constraints within the curriculum, insufficient teacher training, and the lack of formal institutional support. The study concludes by emphasising the need for stronger policy measures, targeted teacher education, and sustained investment to ensure the long-term viability of these initiatives, positioning school gardening not only as an effective educational strategy but also as a key tool for promoting environmental responsibility and holistic student development.