Meet Mr. Mathew Van Diepen, our returning and beloved Gardening Teacher!

Matt began to grow food sustainably in an effort to reverse the devastating effects of industrialized agriculture and climate change. He saw the need for a local food system in Southern California that provides healthy and fresh food. He founded Home Grown Gardens to be a part of the solution.

Lessons are designed around the seasonal requirements of the garden and taught through the application of Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) standards and principles and include topics such as basic garden maintenance, composting, organic pest control, and plant identification.

The goal is for all students to understand where their food comes from, how to make healthy choices, and develop the necessary skills to grow their own food.

Class Program Details:

  • 30 Week Program
  • Each class meets once per week for 35 min
  • Students will learn about seeds, growth, dirt, composting, edible gardens
  • Students will be planting and observing the progress of gardening and growth throughout the year