4-H GARDEN PROJECT INCREASING

Just as home gardening has experienced and increase in popularity so has the 4-H Garden Project. It seems that the economy and the interest in raising our own food along with a food preservation movement (freezing / canning) are the major factors.

Young people and adults have always found enjoyment in growing their own food and sharing it with others.

In the 4-H Garden project, youth can grow a variety of food producing plants and then exhibit some of their produce at the county and state fairs.

Exhibits can range from a single plate vegetable to a collection of 5 different vegetable plates. Youth can also exhibit one of 13 different potted herbs, such as basil, chives, dill or lavender. There is also an educational poster option where youth can share information on plant diseases, insects, garden pests, computer designed gardens or unusual vegetables.

Wells County also has a “Just For Fun” class where youth may exhibit the largest (by weight) tomato, potato, onion, cabbage, sunflower or unusual growth forms!

Youth can also branch out with the project and sell produce at a Farmer’s Market or learn some food preservation skills such as freezing and canning in the 4-H Foods project.

Youth may become 4-H members when they enter third grade and may continue their membership through the completion of grade 12. Each individual may continue membership for a maximum of ten (10) consecutive years. Enrollment deadline is April 1st.

Youth in grades 1 & 2 may join Mini 4-H where they may also learn about plants. Mini 4-H forms are due May 1st.

For more information about 4-H, contact the Wells County Office of the Purdue Cooperative Extension Service, 824-6412 or visit the 4-H web page at for an enrollment form.