1. Programs

4-H Youth Development

Credit: Lynn Ketchum (Cropped from original)
Menu [4-H Youth Development]

Horticulture Projects

Early 4-H clubs were agriculture and horticulture-focused, like "Corn Clubs" where kids competed to see who could grow the most corn on an acre of land using new (at the time) research and techniques. Today, 4-H'ers enjoy a wide variety of horticulture and other food system project areas. In Oregon, we have a strong and vibrant gardening community, thanks to our wonderful and diverse natural resources and the beloved Master Gardeners program of volunteers!

Below, find resources for 4-H'ers wanting to level up their skills in flower gardening, flower arranging, sustainable gardening, container gardening, and—of course—growing and showing vegetables and herbs!

Flowers and Ornamental Plants

In this project, 4-H'ers learn the fundamentals of growing flowers and ornamental plants. The life skills practiced through participation in this project include learning to learn, communicating, planning and organizing, making decisions, leading self and others, and planning your life.

Learners study seeds, plant parts, and their functions.

They will have opportunities to learn to plant and grow ornamentals in gardens or containers. Topics include plant propagation techniques, soils, light, water, fertilizer, composting, crowding, hydroponics, mulches, and identification of plant pest damage.

In the advanced unit, learners build and use a cold frame, learn about the horticulture business and careers, analyze a planting site and make a landscape plan, divide perennials, and study organic and chemical fertilizing and insect control.

Photo: Erik Simmons (Cropped from original)

Vegetables and Herbs

In this project, members learn the fundamentals of growing vegetables in gardens and containers. Herb gardening is an additional option. The life skills practiced through participation in this project include learning to learn, communicating, planning and organizing, making decisions, leading self and others, and planning your life.

    Credit: Alyson Yates (Cropped from original)

    Member Materials

    First Year

    Second Year and Beyond Includes All Materials Above, in Addition to:

    The Leader/Helper’s Guide for Vegetable Garden Curriculum provides a teaching matrix to assist the leader in matching tasks in this project with the age level of the member so that they may all succeed at vegetable and herb gardening.

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