New guidelines for gardening at Montgomery County Public Schools that outline recommendations for planting vegetables mark a compromise in a debate between school administration and gardening advocates regarding vegetable gardens at schools.

The guidelines, published on the school system's website in January, provide steps for setting up outdoor and container gardens, as well as shopping lists of acceptable plantings.

"We view this as a first step toward the planting of the full range of vegetable gardens that are currently being employed at schools throughout the nation," said Gordon Clark, a program manager for Montgomery Victory Gardens. "We are delighted that Montgomery County Public Schools have responded to the community demand for vegetable gardening in schools."

Clark said he is hopeful the school system will expand gardening programs at schools.

The shopping lists provided for in-ground gardens include some edible elements, such as parsley, chives and sage, but lack vegetables. The shopping list for container gardens includes a list of 20 plants, including 18 vegetables, such as carrots, turnips and beets.

"As far as vegetable gardens, we think containers are a good option for balancing some of the challenges a garden can create," said school system spokesman Dana Tofig. Some of those concerns included student allergies, pest control and maintenance.

Tofig emphasized that the garden shopping lists are guidelines and that vegetables could be planted in-ground if the gardens met school requirements. The new guidelines also outline a nine-step process of establishing a garden, which involves establishing a garden team, selecting a site, choosing a type of garden and obtaining approval from the school administration.

Garden groups must also secure their own funding and purchase supplies independently. Groups are also responsible for maintaining the garden — watering for at least an hour a week, weekend at least an hour a month and seasonal pruning.