The 4-H Gardens - Fruit/Vegetable project introduces youth to vegetable and fruit gardening. The project is divided into four different levels. Discover how to plant, water, fertilize, and manage weeds, insects and diseases in your vegetable garden. Project participants will learn how plants respond to light, make a worm box, freeze vegetables, make a compost, test and improve soil, and cross-pollinate flowers. Youth will explore how to plant, water, fertilize and prune your fruit plants as well as how to manage weeds, insects and diseases. Learn which fruit species grow in Alaska, and design a plan for growing fruit in your yard. In addition, youth will explore plant genetics, hydroponics, and career opportunities.

The Junior Master Gardener Program is also an option for youth interested in gardening.

POTENTIAL COLLEGE MAJORS

• Agribusiness
• Agricultural Education
• Animal Sciences
• Farm Management
• Food Science
• Pre-Veterinary Medicine
• Sustainable Food and Farming Systems
• Veterinary Technician or Technologist
• UAF Course Catalog
• UAA Course Catalog
• UAS Course Catalog

POSSIBLE CAREERS

• Agriculture
• Environment and Ecology
• Horticulture

RESOURCES

4-H Curriculum and Guides

• Garden Level A: See Them Sprout
• Garden Level B: Let's Get Growing
• Garden Level C: Take Your Pick
  Garden Level D: Growing Profits
• Garden Leader's Guide
• Gardening Exhibits Guide
• Junior Master Gardener materials
• Growing Tree and Bush Fruits in AK
• Horticulture and Home Gardening publications: UAF CES

Exhibit Requirements and Guidelines

• Alaska State Fair
• Other State Fairs (Tanana Valley, Southeast Alaska, Deltana, Kenai Peninsula, Kodiak, Kenny Lake)
• 2017 Cabbage Registration
• Crop Exhibit Guidelines
• AK State Fair Fruit and Vegetable Records