HORTICULTURE
The purpose of Horticulture is to encourage participants to start and maintain vegetable and herb gardens. In addition, 4-H members can participate in planting, growing, and caring for flowers and houseplants. 4-H members my also participate in the special gardening project, which changes annually. 4-H members may only exhibit one entry per class number. For scoresheets, resources and materials in this category, visit https://go.unl.edu/ne4hhorticulture.
All exhibits must be labeled. Label each item with the exhibitor name, project division, exhibit class number and years in the project before entering at county fair. Any exhibit not in a clear glass container will be dropped one ribbon placing.
All static exhibits must receive a purple ribbon at the county fair in order to be eligible for State Fair selection.
State Fair Premier 4-H Science Award is available in this area. See General Rules in State Fair Book for more details.
“My hands to larger service” — In an effort to reach out a helping hand to the community, the vegetables and fruit from the 4-H horticulture projects will be donated to a food pantry. These will be collected and distributed the day after entry day. Samples of Purple, Blue, Red and White ribbon winners will be left in each category, where possible. If a 4-H member does not want to donate a certain exhibit, e.g., a pumpkin, onions or something that does not spoil during fair, then they need to request that it not be donated and mark the entry tag appropriately.
You Be The Teacher in Horticulture or Floriculture — Share with others what you learned in the project. Exhibit may be a three-dimensional display, scrapbook, charts, pictures, photographs, a file of ideas, research study, etc. A display may not exceed a total space of 12 inches deep, 15 inches wide and 10 inches high. Pictures, models, plaster, paper-mâché, etc., may be used in your exhibit. Attach the entry tag to the upper right-hand corner of the entry. This exhibit must be educational. Examples: A comparative study on production of certain vegetable varieties, a story and record of products grown to sell at market, an exhibit of steps in making a craft item from plant material.
For scoresheets and other resources, visit https://go.unl.edu/ne4hhorticulture.
FLORICULTURE
*Denotes State Fair Entry
Purple, $1; Blue, $0.75; Red, $0.50; White, $0.35
1. Classes 1-23: Cut Flower Annuals and Biennials - Five stems of a single variety (cultivar) unless otherwise noted in parenthesis.
2. Classes 30-46: Cut Flower Perennials - Five stems of a single variety (cultivar) unless otherwise noted in parenthesis.
3. The cultivar or variety name must be included on all entry cards. If potted container with several cultivar or varieties identify each individually within the pot. Failure to identify the cultivar or variety will drop the entry one ribbon placing. Proper identification is the responsibility of the exhibitor, not the Extension staff or office personnel.
4. For Floriculture, punch hole in the top center of entry tag, use a rubber band to securely attach entry tag to containers.
5. Exhibits entered under an incorrect class number or containing an incorrect number of stems will be dropped one ribbon placing. In classes 23, 45 & 46, do not duplicate entries from the already listed classes or entry will be dropped one ribbon placing. For example 4-H members with two cultivars or varieties of marigolds can only enter the marigold class and cannot enter the other cultivar or variety in any other class. A perennial is defined as a plant of which the crown overwinters. An annual is a plant that grows from seed each season, whether self-seeded or planted by the gardener. A biennial is a plant that germinates, grows and overwinters as a crown, blooms the following year and dies. Foliage will be considered when exhibit is judged.
6. All three or five stems of cut flowers should be the same cultivar and color, do not mix cultivars and colors. Containers will not be judged; however, they should be CLEAR GLASS CONTAINERS that won't tip over (No plastic containers at State Fair) and of adequate size to display blooms. Any exhibit not in a clear glass container will be dropped one ribbon placing. NO SCREW ON LIDS OR SCREW ON RINGS AND FLATS MAY BE USED. To hold flowers in place it is suggested to use tin foil or a type of plastic wrap with holes poked into it or frog lids.
Cut Flower Annuals and Biennials
Five stems of a single variety (cultivar) unless otherwise noted in parentheses.
*G770001 Aster
*G770002 Bachelor Buttons
*G770003 Bells of Ireland
*G770004 Browallia
*G770005 Calendula
*G770006 Celosia (crested or plume) (three stems)
*G770007 Cosmos
*G770008 Dahlia
*G770009 Dianthus
*G770010 Foxglove
*G770011 Gladiolus (three stems)
*G770012 Gomphrena
*G770013 Hollyhock (three stems)
*G770014 Marigold
*G770015 Pansy
*G770016 Petunia
*G770017 Salvia
*G770018 Snapdragon
*G770019 Statice
*G770020 Sunflower (under 3-inch diameter, Five stems; 3 inches or more in diameter, 3 stems)
*G770021 Vinca
*G770022 Zinnia
*G770023 Any Other Annual or Biennial (under three-inch diameter, Five stems; three inches or more in diameter, three stems)
G770024 Mixed Annuals — A mixed exhibit consisting of two stems from each of three types of annuals, for a total of 6 stems.
G770025 Most Unusual Flower — One single-stem annual.
G770026 Largest Single Flower — One single-stem annual over three inches.
Cut Flower Perennials
Five stems of a single variety (cultivar) unless otherwise noted in parentheses.
*G770030 Achillea/Yarrow
*G770031 Chrysanthemum
*G770032 Coneflower
*G770033 Coreopsis
*G770034 Daisy
*G770035 Gaillardia
*G770036 Helianthus
*G770037 Hydrangea (three stems)
*G770038 Liatris (three stems)
*G770039 Lilies (three stems) (not daylilies)
*G770040 Platycodon
*G770041 Rose (three stems)
*G770042 Rudbeckia/Black-eyed Susan
*G770043 Sedum
*G770044 Statice
*G770045 Any other perennial (five stems under three-inch diameter or three stems that are three inches or more in diameter) Do not duplicate entries in classes G770030 through G770044)
*G770046 4-H Flower Garden Collection — of five different cut flowers. Flowers are to be cut not potted. Display in a box or other holder not more than 18 inches in any dimension. Boxes may not be returned from State Fair. Each flower in the collection should be exhibited with the number specified for classes 1-45. Do not duplicate entries in classes 1-45 with any in the group collection.
G770047 Mixed Perennials — a mixed exhibit consisting of two stems from each of three types of annuals for a total of six stems.
G770048 Most Unusual Flower — One single-stem perennial.
G770049 Largest Single Flower — One single-stem perennial over three inches.
Educational Exhibits
Purple, $2; Blue, $1.50; Red, $1; White, $0.50
*G770050 Flower Notebook — Exhibit a notebook containing pictures of flowers grown in Nebraska. There must be at least 10 different species of annuals and/or biennials and 10 different species of perennials hardy to Nebraska. Bulbs may be included in a separate section. 4-H members may show more than one cultivar of the same species but it will only count as one species. The notebook must be the result of the current year’s work. Pictures from garden catalogs, hand drawn pictures, or photographs may be used. Each species/cultivar must be labeled with the correct common name(s) and scientific name; the height and spread of the plant; and the growing conditions the species prefers (for example: needs full sun and dry sandy soil). In addition to this information, bulbs should also be labeled as spring or summer flowering. Give proper credit by listing the sources of the pictures and information used. The 4-H member’s name, age, county and years in the project(s) must be on the back of the notebook.
*G770051 Flower Garden Promotion Poster — Individual poster promoting vegetable and/or flower gardening (14 inches by 22 inches, either vertical or horizontal arrangement). Poster may be in any medium — watercolor, ink, crayon, etc. — as long as it is not three-dimensional. Poster may not use copyrighted materials such as cartoon characters or commercial product names. Entry card must be stapled in upper right-hand corner. The 4-H member’s name, age, county and years in project(s) must be on the back of the poster.
*G770052 Educational Flower Garden Poster — Prepare a poster no larger than 14 inches by 22 inches by 2 inches (three-dimensional if needed) illustrating a skill or project done in a 4-H flowers or houseplant project. You might show a special technique you used or equipment you have incorporated in your garden. Refer to 4-H horticulture project manuals but use your own creativity. Entry card must be stapled to the upper right-hand corner. The 4-H member’s name, age, county and years in project(s) must be on the back of the poster.
*G770053 Flower Gardening History Interview — Neatly handwritten or typed account of a gardening history interview with a person whose flower garden has inspired you. Maximum of four pages of text and two pages of pictures of the garden if the individual is still gardening. Include one photo of the person interviewed. Protect with a clear report cover or small three-ring notebook. The 4-H member’s name, age, county and years in the project(s) must be on the back of the report.
Purple, $2; Blue, $1.50; Red, $1; White, $0.50
G770054 You Be The Teacher — This exhibit must be educational. See information in introduction to this division. Only one entry in this class
NO PREMIUM
G770055 Community Service Activity — Show what was done as a community service activity related to the horticulture project. In a notebook, photo story, or poster show the purpose and results of that activity. Example: planting and/or maintaining a flower garden at a public building or nursing home, helping an elderly person with a large gardening task, planting and harvesting vegetables for a donation to a food bank, etc. May be an individual or club activity. Non-competitive/No premiums/Not a State Fair Exhibit. Special recognition certificates will be awarded to participants.
Houseplants (Classes 60-66)
*Denotes State Fair Entry
Purple, $1; Blue, $0.75; Red, $0.50; White, $0.35
1. Container Grown Houseplants: The choice of container and soil quality will be considered in judging. Each houseplant must be identified by listing the names on the entry tag or on a card attached to the container. Identify each plant individually if more than one cultivar or variety. Houseplants should be grown in the display container for a minimum of six weeks. Plants grown as houseplants must be used. NebGuide G2205 “Guide to Growing Houseplants” and NebGuide G837 “Guide to Selecting Houseplants” includes a listing of common houseplants. Containers of annual flowers or annual plants (i.e. petunias, geraniums, impatiens) will be disqualified and will not be judged.
2. Entries in Classes 60-66 must have been designed and planted by the 4-H member.
3. Any container plant, (flowering or foliage potted houseplants, dish gardens, fairy or miniature gardens, desert gardens, or terrariums) shall be in containers no larger than 12 inches (use inside opening measurement) in any dimension of length or width. No combination of pots may be used. All potted plants are to be in a one pot container. Any container grown plant in Classes 60-66 that does not follow these guidelines will be dropped one ribbon placing.
4. Classes 60-65 4-H members must have and provide a saucer to catch drainage water. The 4-H members name, age, county, and years in the project(s) must be on the bottom or back of the container and saucer.
*G770060 Flowering Potted Houseplant(s) – that are blooming during exhibition (non-blooming plants will be disqualified). A container may have one or more houseplants in container. Label with the name for each plant.
*G770061 Foliage Potted Houseplant - One variety of tropical or cacti or succulent plant. Label with name of plant.
*G770062 Hanging Basket - of flowering and/or foliage houseplants. A container may have one or more houseplants in container. Label with name for each plant.
*G770063 Dish Garden – an open/shallow container featuring a variety of houseplants excluding cacti and succulents. Label with the name for each plant.
*G770064 Fairy or Miniature Garden – A miniature “scene” contained in an open container and featuring miniature or small, slow growing houseplants. The garden needs to have an imaginative theme and miniature accessories, i.e. bench, fence made from tiny twigs, small shell for a bathtub, etc. Label with name for each plant.
*G770065 Desert Garden — An open/shallow container featuring a variety of cacti and/or succulents grown as houseplants. Label with the name for each plant.
*G770066 Terrarium — Transparent container, partially or completely enclosed; sealed or unsealed. Label with the name of each plant.
VEGETABLES, HERBS, FRUITS & EDUCATIONAL EXHIBIT
Exhibits are limited to ONE EXHIBIT PER CLASS NUMBER. Notebooks and posters must receive a purple ribbon at the county fair to advance to the State Fair.
The cultivar or variety name must be included on all entry cards. Failure to identify the cultivar or variety will drop the entry one ribbon placing. Proper identification is the responsibility of the exhibitor, not the Extension staff or Office personnel. Exhibits entered under an incorrect class number or containing an incorrect number of vegetables will be dropped one ribbon placing. In classes G773252, G773255, G773268, G773269, G773285 and G773286, do not duplicate entries with the classes listed by using other cultivars or varieties or entry will be dropped one ribbon placing. For example: 4-H members with two cultivars or varieties of red tomatoes can only enter the red tomatoes class and cannot enter the other cultivar or variety in any other vegetable class. Score Sheet SF108.
Purple, $1; Blue, $0.75; Red, $0.50; White, $0.35
*G773201 Lima beans (12)
*G773202 Snap beans (12)
*G773203 Wax beans (12)
*G773204 Beets (5)
*G773205 Broccoli (2)
*G773206 Brussels sprouts (12)
*G773207 Green cabbage (2)
*G773208 Red cabbage (2)
*G773209 Carrots (5)
*G773210 Cauliflower (2)
*G773211 Slicing cucumbers (2)
*G773212 Pickling cucumbers (5)
*G773213 Eggplant (2)
*G773214 Kohlrabi (5)
*G773215 Muskmelon/cantaloupe (2)
*G773216 Okra (5)
*G773217 Yellow onions (5)
*G773218 Red onions (5)
*G773219 White Onions (5)
*G773220 Parsnips (5)
*G773221 Bell Peppers (5)
*G773222 Sweet (non-bell) Peppers (5)
*G773223 Jalapeno Peppers (5)
*G773224 Hot (non-jalapeno) Peppers (5)
*G773225 White Potatoes (5)
*G773226 Red Potatoes (5)
*G773227 Russet Potatoes (5)
*G773228 Other Potatoes (5)
*G773229 Pumpkin (2)
*G773230 Miniature Pumpkins (Jack Be Little type) (5)
*G773231 Radish (5)
*G773232 Rhubarb (5)
*G773233 Rutabaga (2)
*G773234 Summer Green Squash (2)
*G773235 Summer Yellow Squash (2)
*G773236 Summer White Squash (2)
*G773237 Acorn Squash (2)
*G773238 Butternut Squash (2)
*G773239 Buttercup Squash (2)
*G773240 Other Winter Squash (2)
*G773241 Sweet Corn (in husks) (5)
*G773242 Swiss Chard (5)
*G773243 Red Tomatoes (2 inches or more in diameter ) (5)
*G773244 Roma or Sauce-Type Tomatoes (5)
*G773245 Salad Type Tomatoes (less than 2 inches in diameter) (12)
*G773246 Yellow Tomatoes (2 inches or more in diameter) (5)
*G773247 Turnips (5)
*G773248 Watermelon (2)
*G773249 Dry Edible Beans (1 pint)
*G773250 Gourds, Mixed Type (2)
*G773251 Gourds, Single Variety (2)
*G773252 Any Other Vegetable (2, 5 or 12) that do not fit into any other class. Do not duplicate entries in classes G773201 through G773251. See 4-H 266 for guidelines to exhibit entries.
Garden Display
*Denotes State Fair Entry
Purple, $2; Blue, $1.50; Red, $1; White, $0.50
*G773255 4-H Vegetable Garden Collection of Five Kinds of Vegetables — Display in a box not more than 24 inches in any dimension. Showmanship will be considered in judging, but plastic grass, cotton, figurines, etc., should not be used in exhibit boxes. Each vegetable in the collection should be exhibited with the number specified for individual class G773201-G773252. Do not duplicate entries in classes G773201-G773252 with any in the group collection.
*G773256 4-H Cultivar Vegetable Collection — Vegetables entered in the collection are five cultivars from a single exhibit — for example, five cultivars of all types of peppers or squash or onions or tomatoes, etc. Display in a box not more than 24 inches in any dimension. Showmanship will be considered in judging, but plastic grass, cotton, figurines, etc. should not be used in exhibit boxes. Each vegetable in the collection should be exhibited with the number specified for individual class G773201 through G774252.
Purple, $2; Blue, $1.50; Red, $1; White, $0.50
G773257 You Be The Teacher — This exhibit must be educational. See information in introduction to this division. Only one entry in this class
Herbs
*Denotes State Fair Entry
Purple, $1; Blue, $0.75; Red, $0.50; White, $0.35
Not more than three entries in this division. Herbs will be judged using the same general criteria used for vegetables. Those grown mainly for their seed such as dill and caraway should be exhibited on a plate. Those grown for their leaves such as basil, parsley, etc., should be exhibited in a CLEAR GLASS CONTAINER of water. Containers are not returned.
*G773260 Basil (5)
*G773261 Dill (dry) (5)
*G773262 Garlic (bulbs) (5)
*G773263 Mint (5)
*G773264 Oregano (5)
*G773265 Parsley (5)
*G773266 Sage (5)
*G773267 Thyme (5)
*G773268 Any Other Herb (5)
*G773269 4-H Herb Garden Display of Five Different Cut Herbs — Herbs are to be cut not potted. Displayed in a box of appropriate size for judging (not to exceed 18 inches in any dimension). Boxes may not be returned from State Fair. Each herb in the collection should be exhibited with the number of specified for classes G773260-G773268. Do not duplicate entries in classes G773260 through G773268 with any in the group collection.
Fruits
*Denotes State Fair Entry
Purple, $1; Blue, $0.75; Red, $0.50; White, $0.35
Fruit will be judged using the same general criteria used for vegetables (see 4-H 226). Fruit will be judged for the stage of maturity normal for that season and growing location. Emphasis will be placed on how well fruit approaches market quality.
*G773280 Strawberries (everbearers), 1 pint
*G773281 Grapes, 2 bunches
*G773282 Apples, 5
*G773283 Pears, 5
*G773284 Wild Plums, 1 pint
*G773285 Other Small Fruit or Berries (1 pint) — Do not duplicate entries in classes 773280-773284.
*G773286 Other Fruit or Nuts, 5 — Do not duplicate entries in classes 773280-773284.
Educational Exhibits
Purple, $2; Blue, $1.50; Red, $1; White, $0.50
*G773290 Garden Promotion Poster — Individual poster promoting vegetable or herb gardening (14 inches by 22 inches, either vertical or horizontal arrangement). Poster may be in any medium — watercolor, ink, crayon, etc. — as long as they are not three-dimensional. Posters using copyrighted material will not be accepted. Entry card must be stapled in upper right-hand corner. The 4-H member’s name, age, county and years in project(s) must be on the back of the poster.
*G773291 Educational Vegetable or Herb Garden Poster — Prepare a poster no larger than 14 inches by 24 inches by 2 inches (three-dimensional if needed) illustrating a skill or project the 4-H member has done or learned about in a 4-H vegetable gardening project. One might show a special technique you used of equipment you have incorporated in your garden (e.g. drip irrigation system, composting, or special techniques learned). Refer to 4-H horticulture project manuals, but use your own creativity. Entry card must be stapled to the upper right-hand corner. The 4-H member’s name, age, county and years in project(s) must be on the back of the poster.
*G773292 Vegetable and/or Herb Gardening History Interview — Neatly handwritten or typed account of a gardening history interview of a person whose vegetable or herb garden has inspired you. Maximum of four pages of text and two pages of pictures of the garden if the individual is still gardening (include one picture of the person you interviewed). Protect with a clear report cover. The 4-H member’s name, age, county and years in project(s) must be on the back of the report cover.
*G773293 Vegetable Seed Display — Each display must include seeds representing the following families: Cucurbit, Brassica (cabbage), Solanaceous (nightshade), and Legume (pea) families plus representatives from five other families. Group the seeds by family and type. Glue seeds or otherwise fasten clear containers of seeds to a board or poster board no larger than 22 inches by 24 inches. Label each group and each individual vegetable type with the common and scientific name. Use only one variety of cultivar of each vegetable, except for beans where several examples of beans may be shown. Attach a card to the back of the display explaining why and how it is important to know which vegetables are related and cite references on where the scientific name information was found. The 4-H member’s name, age, county and years in the garden project(s) must be on the back of the display. Information on vegetable family members can be obtained from the Extension Office.
*G773294 World of Vegetables Notebook — Choose a favorite foreign cuisine and learn what vegetables and/or herbs are common to it (e.g. Mexican, African, Chinese, Italian, etc.). Include a report describing a minimum of five vegetables and/or herbs from each country chosen. Include the scientific and common names; pictures from your garden or seed catalogs; how they are grown; and how the foods are used. Also list a source for buying the seed or plants. Favorite recipes using some or all the vegetables described may be included. Give proper credit by listing the source of pictures and information used. Protect in a clear report cover or small three-ring notebook. The 4-H member’s name, age, and years in the garden project must be on the back cover of the report.
SPECIAL GARDEN PROJECT
*Denotes State Fair Entry
Purple, $2; Blue, $1.50; Red, $1; White, $0.50
Youth must be enrolled in the Special Garden Project to exhibit. Fresh cut flowers, herbs or harvested vegetables should be entered in the appropriate class listed above.
*G775001 Special Garden Project - Educational exhibit based on what was learned from the project. Present information on a poster 14 inches x 22 inches either vertical or horizontal arrangement or in a clear plastic report cover. The 4-H member’s name, age, and county must be on the back of the poster or report cover.
*G775002 Special Garden Project Fresh Cut Flowers, Herbs or Harvested Vegetables – The current year’s special garden project fresh cut flowers, herbs or harvested vegetables should be entered in this class. Refer to classes 001-045 for quantity to exhibit if special garden project is a fresh cut flower. Refer to classes 201-252 for quantity to exhibit if special garden project is a vegetable. Flowers and herbs must be cut, not potted.