Every summer University of Missouri Extension offers Garden ’n Grow, a youth gardening program for children ages 8 to 13. This is a great opportunity for local youth to grow their own vegetables and learn about horticulture. The program also encourages the discovery of science and nature through gardening.

The Kirksville Garden ’n Grow program will meet every Monday and Thursday, May 30 to Aug. 8 from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at the Adair County MU Extension Center, 503 East Northtown Road, Kirksville.

The fee for the program is $30 per child. Space is limited to the first 10 to sign up. Youth who have participated two or more years are not eligible. The deadline to register is May 20.

Participants have a garden plot where they grow their own vegetables. Not only do youth get hands-on experience with vegetable gardening, they also learn about seeds, soil, how plants grow, insects, diseases, weeds, cooking with vegetables, nutrition and many other topics. The vegetables that the children grow are theirs to take home. Excess produce from the garden is donated to the food pantry.

For more information, contact Jennifer Schutter, horticulture specialist.