Content
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 may also participate in the special gardening project, which changes annually. For more resources and materials in this category refer to the resource section at the end of the Horticulture section.
Resources:
Scoresheets, forms, contest study materials, and additional resources can be found at
https://go.unl.edu/ne4hhorticulture.
A list of 4-H projects and links to 4-H curriculum resources can be found at
https://4h.unl.edu/resources/projects.
FLORICULTURE
Rules:
A. Exhibits are limited to ONE EXHIBIT PER EXHIBIT CLASS NUMBER. Entries must be the work of the 4‑H member.
B. 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 lower the entry one ribbon placing. Proper identification is the responsibility of the 4‑H member not the Extension staff or office personnel.
C. For Floriculture, punch hole in the top center of entry tag, use a rubber band to securely attach entry tag to containers.
D. Exhibits entered under an incorrect class number or containing an incorrect number of stems will be lowered by one ribbon placing (a stem may have more than 1 flower on it but still will only be one stem). In classes 023, 045 & 046, do not duplicate entries from the already listed classes or entry will be lowered 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 the exhibit is judged.
E. 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 lowered one ribbon placing. NO SCREW ON LIDS SCERW 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. Containers may not be returned from the State Fair.
F. Follow the guidelines in 4‑H “Preparing Cut Flowers for Exhibits” 4H 227 https://go.unl.edu/preparingcutflowers when preparing entries for the fair. Hard copies are also available at the extension office.
Cut Annuals and Biennials (classes 1-23) - 5 stems of a single variety (cultivar) unless otherwise noted in parenthesis.
Classes:
G 770 001 Aster
G 770 002 Bachelor Buttons
G 770 003 Bells of Ireland
G 770 004 Browallia
G 770 005 Calendula
G 770 006 Celosia (crested or plume) (3 stems)
G 770 007 Cosmos
G 770 008 Dahlia
G 770 009 Dianthus
G 770 010 Foxglove
G 770 011 Gladiolus (3 stems)
G 770 012 Gomphrena
G 770 013 Hollyhock (3 stems)
G 770 014 Marigold
G 770 015 Pansy
G 770 016 Petunia
G 770 017 Salvia
G 770 018 Snapdragon
G 770 019 Statice
G 770 020 Sunflower (under 3” diameter-5 stems, 3” or more in diameter-3 stems)
G 770 021 Vinca
G 770 022 Zinnia
G 770 023 Any Other Annual or Biennial Not Listed (under 3 inches diameter - 5 stems, 3 inches or more in diameter - 3 stems) (Do not duplicate entries in classes 1-22)
Cut Perennials (classes 30-46) - 5 stems of a single variety (cultivar) unless otherwise noted in parenthesis.
Classes:
G 770 030 Achillea / Yarrow
G 770 031 Chrysanthemum
G 770 032 Coneflower
G 770 033 Coreopsis
G 770 034 Daisy
G 770 035 Gaillardia
G 770 036 Helianthus (3 stems)
G 770 037 Hydrangea (3 stems)
G 770 038 Liatris (3 stems)
G 770 039 Lilies (3 stems) (Not Daylilies)
G 770 040 Platycodon
G 770 041 Rose (3 stems)
G 770 042 Rudbeckia / Black-Eyed Susan
G 770 043 Sedum
G 770 044 Statice
G 770 045 Any Other Perennial Not Listed (under 3 inches diameter - 5 stems, 3 inches or more in diameter - 3 stems) (Do not duplicate entries in classes 30-44)
G 770 046 4-H FLOWER GARDEN COLLECTION of 5 different cut flowers. Flowers are to be cut not potted. Each flower in the collection should be exhibited with the number specified for classes 1-45. Display in a box or other holder not more than 18 inches in any dimension. Do not duplicate entries in classes 1-45 with any in the group collection.
EDUCATIONAL CLASSES - FLOWERS
G 770 050 FLOWER NOTEBOOK - Exhibit a notebook containing pictures of flowers grown in Nebraska and proper credit must be given by listing the sources of pictures and information used. 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 they will only count as one species. The notebook must be the result of the current year’s work. You may show more than one cultivar of the same species, but they will only count as one species. Pictures from garden catalogs, hand drawn pictures, or photographs may be used. Each species/cultivar must be labeled with the correct common name and scientific name; the height and spread of the plant and the growing conditions (for example: needs full sun and dry sandy soil) the species prefers. In addition to this information, bulbs should also be labeled as spring or summer flowering. Give proper credit by listing the sources of 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.
G 770 051 FLOWER GARDEN PROMOTION POSTER - Individual poster promoting vegetable and/or flower gardening, size 14 inches x 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 (such as the cartoon "Garfield") will not be accepted. Entry card must be paper stapled to the upper right-hand corner. The 4-H member's name, age, county, years in the project(s) must be on the back of the poster.
G 770 052 EDUCATIONAL FLOWER GARDEN POSTER - Prepare a poster 14 inches x 22 inches x 2 inches (three-dimensional if needed) either vertical or horizontal arrangement illustrating a skill or project you have done or learned about in a 4-H flower or houseplant project. One might show a special technique you used or equipment incorporated in your garden. Refer to 4-H horticulture project manuals, but use your own creativity. Entry card must be paper stapled to the upper right-hand corner. The 4-H member's name, age, county, and years in the flower project(s) must be on the back of the poster.
G 770 053 FLOWER GARDENING HISTORY INTERVIEW - Neatly handwritten or typed account of a gardening history interview whose flower garden has inspired you. Maximum of 4 pages of text and 2 pages of pictures (include 1 picture of the person you interviewed) of their flower garden if the individual is still gardening. Protect with a clear report cover or small 3-ring notebook. The 4-H member's name, age, and county must be on the back of the report cover.
HOUSEPLANTS
Rules:
- 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. Houseplants should be grown in the display container for a minimum of six weeks. Plants grown as houseplants must be used.
- These two NebGuides include a listing of common houseplants:
- NebGuide G2205 “Guide to Growing Houseplants” https://extensionpubs.unl.edu/publication/g2205/na/html/view
- NebGuide G837 “Guide to Selecting Houseplants” includes a list of common houseplants https://extensionpubs.unl.edu/publication/g837/na/html/view
- Containers of annual flowers or annual plants (i.e. petunias, geraniums, impatiens) will be disqualified and will not be judged.
- Entries in Classes 60-66 must have been designed and planted by the 4-H member.
- 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 is does not follow these guidelines will be dropped one ribbon placing.
- Classes 60-65 exhibitors must have and provide a saucer to catch drainage water. The 4-H member's name, age, full address, county, and years in the project(s) must be on the bottom or back of the container and saucer.
G 770 060 FLOWERING POTTED HOUSEPLANTS Must be blooming for exhibition. A container may have one or more houseplants in container. Label with the name for each plant. Non-blooming plants will be disqualified.
G 770 061 FOLIAGE POTTED HOUSEPLANT One variety of tropical or cacti or succulent lant. of all the same variety. Label with name of plant.
G 770 062 HANGING BASKET of flowering and/or foliage plants. Container may have one or more houseplants in the container. Label with the name for each plant.
G 770 063 DISH GARDEN – An open container featuring a variety of Houseplants: excluding cacti and succulents. Label with the name for each plant.
G 770 064 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 tub, etc. Label with the name for each plant.
G 770 065 DESERT GARDEN - an open container featuring a variety of cacti and/or succulents grown as houseplants. Label with the name for each plant.
G 770 066 TERRARIUM – a transparent container, partially or completely enclosed; sealed or unsealed. Label with the name for each plant.
SPECIAL GARDEN PROJECT
The Special Garden Project changes annually. More information may be found at https://4h.unl.edu/special-garden-project.
The 2026 Special Garden Project is focused on the Alumia Vanilla Cream Marigold.
Special Garden Project (G 775 001) and Special Gardening Project (G 775 002), are eligible for State Fair. Those marked with an asterisks (*) are not eligible for State Fair.
G 775 001 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.
G 775 002 SPECIAL GARDEN PROJECT - FRESH CUT FLOWERS, HERBS, OR HARVESTED VEGETABLES – The current years' Special Gardening Project fresh cut flowers, herbs, or harvested vegetables should be entered in this class. Refer to classes 1-45 for quantity to exhibit if Special Gardening Project is a fresh cut flower. Refer to classes 201-252 for quantity to exhibit if Special Gardening Project is a vegetable. Flowers and herbs must be cut not potted.
*G 775 901 PICTURE/PHOTOGRAPH This project is up to you, as long as it includes the SPECIAL GARDEN PROJECT. Please include a 5x7” photo mounted on 8 ½ x 11 inch poster board with a caption.
*G 775 902 STORY Tell a story about your first experience with the SPECIAL GARDEN PROJECT: growing, harvesting, or the insects it attracts. Be sure to include a photograph(s)!. Exhibit in a clear plastic report cover.
*G 775 903 ESSAY Write an essay about what you’ve learned about the SPECIAL GARDEN PROJECT and growing them. Be sure to include things you would change next time and a photograph(s). Exhibit in a clear plastic report cover.
*G 775 905 POEM Write a poem about some aspect of the SPECIAL GARDEN PROJECT growing the choice is yours! Exhibit in a clear plastic report cover.
*G 775 906 CHOICE Your choice of a project, but be sure it includes something about the SPECIAL GARDEN PROJECT.
VEGETABLES
Rules:
- An exhibitor may enter one exhibit per class. Entries must be the work of the 4-H member.
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 252, 255, 268, 269, 285 and 286 do not duplicate entries from any of the other classes or entry will be dropped one ribbon placing. For example: 4-H’ers 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.
Example: Green Summer Squash (Zucchini) Black Magic.
- Follow the guidelines in 4H226 ”Selecting and Preparing Vegetables, Herbs, and Fruit for Exhibits” https://4h.unl.edu/4hcurriculum/PreparingVegetablesHerbsandFruit when preparing entries for the fair. Also available at the extension office upon request.
- Vegetables (Classes 1-56) Class, Vegetable, Number's to Exhibit
- Herbs (Classes 60-69) 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 (no plastic containers at State Fair). 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 herb leaves in place it is suggested to use tin foil or a type of plastic wrap with holes poked into it or frog lids. Containers may not be returned from State Fair. Potted herb plants will be disqualified and will not be judged.
- Fruits (Classes 80-86) Fruits will be judged using the same general criteria used for vegetables. 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.
# To Exhibit
G 773 201 Lima Beans .................................................. 12
G 773 202 Snap Beans ................................................. 12
G 773 203 Wax Beans .................................................. 12
G 773 204 Beets ............................................................. 5
G 773 205 Broccoli .......................................................... 2
G 773 206 Brussels Sprouts ........................................ 12
G 773 207 Green Cabbage ........................................... 2
G 773 208 Red Cabbage ............................................... 2
G 773 209 Carrots ........................................................... 5
G 773 210 Cauliflower .................................................... 2
G 773 211 Slicing Cucumbers ....................................... 2
G 773 212 Pickling Cucumbers ..................................... 5
G 773 213 Eggplant ........................................................ 2
G 773 214 Kohlrabi ......................................................... 5
G 773 215 Muskmelon/Cantaloupe .............................. 2
G 773 216 Okra ............................................................... 5
G 773 217 Yellow Onions .............................................. 5
G 773 218 Red Onions ................................................... 5
G 773 219 White Onions ................................................ 5
G 773 220 Parsnips ........................................................ 5
G 773 221 Bell Peppers ................................................. 5
G 773 222 Sweet (Non-Bell Peppers .......................... 5
G 773 223 Jalapeño Peppers ........................................ 5
G 773 224 Hot (No-Jalapeno) Peppers ....................... 5
G 773 225 White Potatoes ............................................. 5
G 773 226 Red Potatoes ................................................ 5
G 773 227 Russet Potatoes ........................................... 5
G 773 228 Other Potatoes ............................................. 5
G 773 229 Pumpkin ........................................................ 2
G 773 230 Miniature Pumpkins (Jack Be Little type) 5
G 773 231 Radish ............................................................ 5
G 773 232 Rhubarb ......................................................... 5
G 773 233 Rutabaga ....................................................... 2
G 773 234 Green Summer Squash (Zucchini)…… ... 2
G 773 235 Yellow Summer Squash ............................. 2
G 773 236 White Summer Squash ............................... 2
G 773 237 Acorn Squash ............................................... 2
G 773 238 Butternut Squash ....................................................... 2
G 773 239 Buttercup Squash ...................................................... 2
G 773 240 Other Winter Squash ................................... 2
G 773 241 Sweet Corn (In Husks)………………….. . 5
G 773 242 Swiss Chard .................................................. 5
G 773 243 Red Tomatoes (2 inches Or More in Diameter)5
G 773 244 Roma or Sauce-Type Tomatoes ............... 5
G 773 245 Salad Tomatoes (Under 2 inches in Diameter) 12
G 773 246 Yellow Tomatoes (2 inches Or More In Diameter) 5
G 773 247 Turnips ........................................................... 5
G 773 248 Watermelon .................................................. 2
G 773 249 Dry Edible Beans ..................................... 1 Pint
G 773 250 Gourds, Mixed Types .................................. 5
G 773 251 Gourds, Single Variety ................................ 5
G 773 252 Any Other Vegetable 2, 5 Or 12 (do not duplicate entries in classes 201-251) that doesn't fit in any other class
G 773 255 4-H VEGETABLE GARDEN COLLECTION OF FIVE KINDS OF VEGETABLES. Display Garden Collection in a box not more than 24 inches in any dimension. Boxes may not be returned from State Fair. 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 (201-252). Do not duplicate entries in classes 201-251 with any in the group collection.
G 773 256 4-H CULTIVAR VEGETABLE COLLECTION. Vegetables entered in the collection are 5 cultivars from a single exhibit; Fresh for example 5 cultivars of all types of peppers, squash, onions, 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 (201-252).
HERBS
Herbs (classes 260-269) 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 glass container of water. Potted herb plants will be disqualified and will not be judged.
# To Exhibit
G 773 260 Basil ............................................................... 5
G 773 261 Dill (Dry) ........................................................ 5
G 773 262 Garlic (Bulbs) ................................................ 5
G 773 263 Mint ................................................................ 5
G 773 264 Oregano ........................................................ 5
G 773 265 Parsley ........................................................... 5
G 773 266 Sage ............................................................... 5
G 773 267 Thyme ............................................................ 5
G 773 268 Any Other Herb ............................................ 5
G 773 269 4-H Herb Garden Display 5 different cut herbs. Herbs are to be cut not potted. Displayed in a box or other holder not more than 18" in any dimension. Boxes may not be returned from State Fair. Each herb in the collection should be exhibited with the number specified for classes 260-268. Do not duplicate entries in classes 260
EDUCATIONAL CLASSES – VEGETABLE / HERB
G 773 290 GARDEN PROMOTION POSTER Individual poster promoting vegetable or herb gardening, size 14inches x 22 inches either vertical or horizontal arrangement. Poster may be in any medium so long as they are not 3-dimensional. Posters using copyrighted material such as the "Peanuts" cartoon will not be accepted. Entry card must be paper attached to the upper right-hand corner. The 4-H member's name, age, and county must be on the back of the poster.
G 773 291 EDUCATIONAL VEGETABLE OR HERB GARDEN POSTER Prepare a poster 14 inches x 22 inches x 2 inches (3-dimensional if needed) either vertical or horizontal arrangement illustrating a skill or project the 4-H’er has done or learned about in a 4-H vegetable gardening project. You might show a special technique you use or 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 paper attached to the upper right-hand corner. The 4-H member's name, age, and county must be on the back of the poster.
G 773 292 VEGETABLE AND/OR HERB GARDENING HISTORY INTERVIEW - Neatly handwritten or typed account of a gardening history interview whose vegetable or herb garden has inspired you. Maximum of 4 pages of text and 2 pages of pictures (include 1 picture of the person you interviewed) of their garden if the individual is still gardening. Protect with a clear report cover or 3-ring notebook. The 4-H member's name, age, and county must be on the back of the report cover or notebook.
G 773 293 VEGETABLE SEED DISPLAY – Each display must include seeds representing the following families: Cucurbit, Brassica (cabbage), Solanaceous (nightshade), and Legume (pea) families, plus representatives from 5 other families. Group the seeds by family and type. Glue seeds or otherwise fasten clear containers of seeds to a board or poster mat board no larger than 22 inches x 24 inches. Label each group and each individual vegetable type with the common and scientific names. Use only one variety or 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 project(s) must be on the back of the display. Information on vegetable family members can be obtained from your Extension office.
G 773 294 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 handwritten report telling about a minimum of 5 vegetables and/or herbs from each country chosen. Include the scientific and common names; pictures of the plants from your garden or seed catalogs; tell 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 of 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 3-ring notebook. The 4-H member's name, age, county, and years in the garden project must be on the back of the report cover or notebook.
FRUITS
Fruits will be judged using the same general criteria used for vegetables. 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.
# To Exhibit
G 773 280 Strawberries (everbearers) 1 Pint
G 773 281 Grapes 2 Bunches
G 773 282 Apples 5
G 773 283 Pears 5
G 773 284 Wild Plums 1 Pint
G 773 285 Other Small Fruit Or Berries 1 Pint
(do not duplicate entries in classes 280-284)
G 773 286 Other Fruits Or Nuts 5
(do not duplicate entries in classes 280-284)