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Camps and Workshop Opportunities

Special Garden Project

4-H Special Garden Project

The Nebraska Extension Special Garden Project lets 4-H members try their hand at growing a new or unusual vegetable or flower each year. The project allows experienced 4-H gardeners to grow something fun and exciting while letting those who are newer to gardening get their feet wet in the horticulture project area with a guided project experience.

This project is open to all youth of 4-H age and gives them the opportunity to learn about growing, harvesting, and exhibiting a vegetable or flower; obtain the tools necessary to be successful gardeners, and learn about the wide range of plant-science related careers.

The 2023 Project is Mrs Burns' Lemon Basil!

This herb can be used multiple ways. Lemon basil has a unique lemon flavor can be added to any recipe or to cut flower arrangements to add scent and interest.

To Get Started:

Enroll for the "PS: Horticulture (D) - Special Garden Project" through 4-H Online.
Email dodge-county@unl.edu and let us know how many seed packets you need. If you do not contact us, seeds might not be available for you.
Pick seeds up from the Dodge County Extension office when we let you know the seeds are available - which should be around March or April.

4-H members enrolled in the Special Garden Project will:

Receive a packet of seeds (one packet per youth)
Receive a newsletter with planting & growing tips, information about common problems & insects, and instructions for harvesting and use of the plant
Be able to exhibit at County and State Fair

State Fair Special Garden Project Educational Exhibit Class G-775-001
State Fair Special Garden Project Fresh Cut Flowers or Harvested Vegetables G-775-002
Other fun county only ways to exhibit include a story, poem, or poster. Check your fairbook for more information.

Complete an evaluation of your growing experience: Special Garden Project Survey

Find out more at 4h.unl.edu/special-garden-project