GARDEN N' GROW TEACHES YOUTH IMPORTANT LIFE LESSONS
Proposed by: Jennifer Schutter
Presenter: Schutter, J. , Horticulture Specialist, University of Missouri Extension, Kirksville, MO 63501
Schutter,* J.L.
1. Extension Horticulture Specialist, University of Missouri Extension, Adair County, 503 E. Northtown Rd., Kirksville, MO 63501
Garden N’ Grow is a youth garden program for children ages 9-13, and is designed to provide a summer activity where they can be involved with others in a relaxed, outdoor atmosphere without classroom walls and with plenty of hands-on activities. In the past nine years, over 110 youth have completed the program. The goals of the program are to teach youth that gardening can be fun and rewarding, and it gives the youth a feeling of success. Youth learn how to properly plant, maintain, and harvest a garden, as well as the importance of healthy eating and sharing with others in need. They learn by hands-on experiences where rapid results are achieved with plants, and they can successfully apply knowledge gained. Lessons are taught which cover planting methods, plant biology, insects & diseases, soils and harvesting. The importance of using ecologically sound practices such as organic or natural methods of pest management and the importance of water quality is also taught. Youth also learn the nutritional aspects of eating fresh produce and ways to prepare it which are fun and healthy. Approximately 300-500 pounds of produce is donated to the Salvation Army Food Pantry in Kirksville each year. Past evaluations have indicated that most of the youth continue to garden at home, donate produce, exhibit at county fairs, and eat healthier. Some of the youth joined the 4-H gardening project as of a result, and two youth have indicated that they plan to major in horticulture in college.