Parent’s Role:
The Garden Project is designed to give a young person an opportunity to learn by doing and reflect on what happened and how they can apply it to everyday life. The parent’s role is to guide, encourage, and assist the 4-H member as well as help when needed.
Resources Needed:
- Location: You will need a place to plant, this can be a part of a larger family garden or a container on the deck.
- Tools: You will need some tools to till the soil such as a spade, hoe, and rake.
- Seeds: You can purchase seeds at your local nursery or on-line from many different seed producers.
- Fertilizer: Your plants will need fertilizer which can be purchased at many stores.
- Water: To water your plants you will need a hose and access to a water source.
- Big Bucket: To carry all your produce to the dinner table
Time Commitment:
The Garden Project requires planning and planting, and plants take time to grow. It is important to start this project in the spring and care for plants throughout the Spring and Summer. The project takes only a few hours per week and can be completed as the garden grows. Taking pictures and keeping track of expenses will minimize the time needed to finalize your record book.
If you choose to enter the County Fair, you will need to make a display board. Making a display board to present at fair does not have to be complex but will take a few hours to complete.
Expected from 4-H member:
By starting a garden in the Spring and caring for it throughout the Summer, you will get an understanding of where food comes from and what it takes to make plants grow. You will complete the Garden Project record book and the Garden Project e-record.
If you choose to enter the County Fair, you will need to make a display board. Your project will be judged and awarded a ribbon and maybe your project will be selected for the State Fair. But mostly you will get to enjoy the wonderful produce you raised in your very own garden.
