This summer University of Missouri Extension is offering a summer youth garden program for children ages 9-14.  “This is a great opportunity for local youth to grow their own vegetables and learn about horticulture,” according to Jennifer Schutter, Extension Horticulture Specialist.  This program also encourages the discovery of science and nature through gardening.  

The Garden n’ Grow program is a 10 week program held at the Adair County Extension Center in Kirksville.  Participants have a garden plot where they grow their own vegetables.  “Not only will the youth get hands-on experience with vegetable gardening, they will also learn about seeds, soil, how plants grow, insects, diseases, weeds, cooking with vegetables, nutrition, and many other topics”, says Schutter.  The vegetables that the children grow are theirs to take home and excess is shared with others. Excess produce from the gardens is donated to the Salvation Army Food Pantry.

For more information contact the Adair County Extension Center at 660-665-9866 or click here to get the informational flyer with registration.

Congratulations!!
The Kirksville Garden N' Grow program is a 2006 National Gardening Association Garden Grant Winner and a National Finalist for Excellence in Youth through the National Association of County Agriculture Agents.

Click Here for 2009 Photos