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Young people discovering joys of gardening
Arkansas
Lindsey Butt just started a garden. It's nothing fancy, just a small 4-foot-by-5-foot plot with herbs and Jalapeños. This garden may not seem like much to many people but she's 24 years old, and this is her first time planting.
"Gardening is therapeutic," says Butt. "I get to be outside and witness something grow."
Butt is part of a growing trend in gardening. More and more young people are turning to the earth for sustenance and relaxation.
According to Janet Carson, University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service horticulturist, gardening is booming in popularity among younger people.
"Gardening is definitely exploding in popularity," said Carson. "There are many opportunities now for young people to engage in gardening through organized youth gardening programs such as Junior Master Gardener, Youth Gardening Grants and more."
The ages of participants in Master Gardener programs range from 13 to over 80. The Master Gardener program began in 1988 in four counties and has expanded to over 45 counties. The program has about 2,500 volunteers who donate time each year sponsoring city beautification, horticultural education, plant therapy at hospitals and nursing homes and events that support youth gardening.
To support youth gardening, Carson says, "We participate in the Junior Master Gardener's program; the Arbor Day poster contest, which is geared to fifth-graders; the giant pumpkin and watermelon contest and many horticulture projects through 4-H."
In Faulkner County, 4-Hers are working with the Master Gardener's club on a special project at the Oak Grove Commons Apartment complex.
"It's a very rewarding project in that youths who have never been engaged in any agriculture-related activities are learning first hand the importance of agriculture," said Jennifer Hawkins, a Faulkner County extension agent.
"They see where their food comes from and learn the importance of our natural resources such as water and soil and how to amend nutrients back into the soil. The 4-Hers learn to start seeds, transplant plants, care for and nurture their plants as well as how to stake a tomato, what insects and diseases to look for and how to select produce at just the right stage of ripeness."
Hawkins believes the importance of the project goes beyond the garden.
"So many youth now are eating out on a regular basis or skipping meals," said Hawkins. "Through this project, master gardeners are able to use their gardening skills and knowledge to teach youngsters responsibility and the importance of attention to details to reap the benefits of their hard work."
Each week, the youths have a garden related lesson and then head to the garden. The youths meet once a week to harvest. The produce harvested is divided among the children.
"It has been amazing to see the youths, after the produce is divided," said Hawkins. "Everyone gets a share of whatever was harvested on that particular day. They will usually work together and trade produce until everyone goes home with the items they desire. No produce gets wasted."
For beginning gardeners, Carson offers some advice.
She says, "Set your sights fairly small. It's easier to maintain a small garden and do it well, then plant more than you can handle. Each year, you can expand on your successes."
Overall, Carson believes gardening is a great activity for people of any age.
"Gardening is great exercise and a connection to the outdoors," she says. "It's also fun, environmentally friendly and a source of tasty, fresh produce."
Date: 8/24/04
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