Nebraska Extension Special Garden Project
Horticulture & Turfgrass
Elizabeth Exstrom
Extension Educator
Nebraska Extension
Grand Island
Abstract
The Nebraska Extension Special Garden Project originated as a way for youth from across the entire state of Nebraska to gain an interest in gardening, try growing new and unusual vegetables and flowers, obtain the education necessary to be a successful beginning gardener, and learn about the wide range of plant-science related careers. This statewide, hands-on experience allows youth to try growing different plants with their families while gaining life skills. The project focuses on a different flower or vegetable each year. The plant is selected for a unique characteristic that is slightly different than normal. A multi-page educational newsletter publication covers fun plant facts, history, planting basics, growing methods, plant care, common disease and insect problems, harvest and storage tips, plant science-related careers and county fair exhibiting tips and additional ways youth could exhibit is also included. A paper evaluation/link to an online evaluation accompanied the seeds and newsletter. Over the past 14 years the Nebraska Extension Special Garden Project has distributed over 23,600 packets of seeds and educational materials to youth in all 93 counties across Nebraska. Youth learned important skills and gardening practices including weed identification, irrigation frequency, and insect control. They also planned how they could improve practices the following season including amending the soil and utilizing mulch for weed control. Extension Educator Elizabeth Exstrom selects, sorts, distributes the seeds and the educational resources with the youth across the state.
Authors: Elizabeth Exstrom
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Elizabeth Exstrom Extension Educator, Nebraska Extension, Nebraska, 68801