Students can cook recipes with vegetables harvested from their first garden.
The first 4-H program was originally called "The Tomato Club." Begun in 1902 in Clark County, Ohio, the 4-H organization was started as a way for public school children to learn about agricultural and rural industries. 4-H's leadership and youth development programs typically involve agricultural activities like gardening. If you're looking for a vegetable garden project for your chapter, there are a variety of challenges you can organize. Does this Spark an idea?
My First Veggie Garden
For younger children, you can implement a "My First Veggie Garden" program. For this project, the kids will probably grow a mini vegetable garden, or one smaller than 100 square feet. Teach the children about choosing the proper site for their gardens, such as a location with deep, fertile, well-drained soil and at least 6 hours of full sun each day. You can also teach them about growing vegetables for ornamental value, like cabbage, lettuce and kale. Allow the kids to plan their garden layouts (with parents or mentors, for very young children) based on what they learn about garden design. Have the students plant seeds directly in the ground or start them in small containers. Each step in the gardening process should be preceded with an informative talk or demonstration so the students understand why a step (like mulching, for instance) is essential. Have the kids take pictures of their gardens as they grow and throw a harvest party at the end of the project where everyone exchanges fresh veggies.
Market Garden
For a project geared toward slightly older or more experienced students, you can plant a market garden. Market gardens are typically 1/4 an acre or larger in size to ensure that enough vegetables can be grown for sale at the local market. Along with building upon the basic gardening skills they already have, students learn run a small business and manage a crop with higher yields. Arrange to have farmer's market vendors impart their knowledge to the students. Meanwhile, your 4-H chapter is contributing to the availability of fresh, healthy food. You might also experiment with organic gardening practices and see which vegetables do better at market.
Container Vegetable Garden
For students who have already had the opportunity to complete their first vegetable gardens, encourage them to plant container vegetable gardens. Spend time reviewing the differences (and advantages/disadvantages) of container vegetable gardens versus in-ground gardens. This is an especially useful project in dry climates. Students can visit nurseries or any local vegetable gardens that utilize a container method. Encourage them to design and experiment with their gardens by growing the same vegetable in two different container styles or sizes and noting the results. Some activities can center around water conservation and irrigation as well as using drip hoses, since they are distinguishing factors in container gardening.
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