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. There is also a special gardening project in this category that 4-H members can participate in. For more resources and materials in this category refer to the resource section at the bottom of the page.

Area Rules – Horticulture

Follow general rules for this area.

	Department G – Division 770 – Floriculture
	FLORICULTURE (CLASSES 1-46) Classes 1-23: Cut Flower Annuals and Biennials – Five stems of a single variety (cultivar) unless otherwise noted in parenthesis. Classes 30-46: Cut Flower Perennials - Five stems of a single variety (cultivar) unless otherwise noted in parenthesis. The cultivar or variety name must be included on all entry cards. If a potted container with several cultivar or varieties identifies 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. For Floriculture, punch hole in the top center of entry tag, use a rubber band to securely attach entry tag to containers. 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 the exhibit is judged. 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. Containers may not be returned from the State Fair. EDUCATIONAL EXHIBITS (CLASSES 50-53) HOUSEPLANTS (CLASSES 60-66) 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. Entries in Classes 60-66 must have been designed and planted by the 4-H members. 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 one pot container. Any container grown plant in Classes 60-66 that 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 members name, age, county, and years in the project(s) must be on the bottom or back of the container and saucer.
										Division			Class			Pay			Purple	Blue		Red	White
										770			All Classes			1			$6	$4		$2	$1
	Cut Flower Annuals and Biennials - Five stems of a single variety (cultivar) unless otherwise noted in parenthesis. Classes 1-23 (SF106)
	Dept.		Division		Class No.		Class Description		Dept.			Division			Class No.			Class Description
	G		770		001		Aster		G			770			012			Gomphrena
	G		770		002		Bachelor Buttons		G			770			013			Hollyhock (three stems)
	G		770		003		Bells of Ireland		G			770			014			Marigold
	G		770		004		Browallia		G			770			015			Pansy
	G		770		005		Calendula		G			770			016			Petunia
	G		770		006		Celosia (crested or plume) (three stems)		G			770			017			Salvia
	G		770		007		Cosmos		G			770			018			Snapdragon
	G		770		008		Dahlia		G			770			019			Statice
	G		770		009		Dianthus		G			770			020			Sunflower			(under three-inch diameter - five stems) (three inches or more in diameter - three stems)
	G		770		010		Foxglove		G			770			021			Vinca
	G		770		011		Gladiolus (three stems)		G			770			022			Zinnia
G			770		023		Any other annual or biennial (under three-inch diameter - five stems, three inches or more in diameter - three stems) (do not duplicate entries in classes 1-22)
Cut Flower Perennials - five stems of a single variety (cultivar) unless otherwise noted in parenthesis. Classes 30-46 (SF106)
G		770		030		Achillea/Yarrow		G			770			038			Liatris (three stems)
G		770		031		Chrysanthemum		G			770			039			Lilies (three stems) (Not Daylilies)
G		770		032		Coneflower		G			770			040			Platycodon
G		770		033		Coreopsis		G			770			041			Rose (three stems)
G		770		034		Daisy		G			770			042			Rudbeckia/Black-eyed Susan
G		770		035		Gaillardia		G			770			043			Sedum
G		770		036		Helianthus		G			770			044			Statice
G		770		037		Hydrangea (three stems)

G		770		045		Any other perennial (under three-inch diameter - five stems, three inches or more in diameter - three 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. Boxes may not be returned from the State Fair. Do not duplicate entries in classes 1-45 with any in the group collection.
EDUCATIONAL EXHIBITS
G		770		050		Flower Notebook (SF100) - 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 they 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 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(SF103) - Individual poster promoting flower gardening, size 14 inches x 22 inches either vertical or horizontal arrangement. Poster may be in any medium: watercolor, ink, crayon, etc. if it is not 3-dimensional. Posters using copyrighted material will not be accepted. Entry card must be stapled to the upper right-hand corner. The 4-H member's name, age, county, and years in the project(s) must be on the back of the poster.
G		770		052		Educational Flower Garden Poster (SF104)- 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 you have done or learned about in a 4-H flower or houseplant project. One might show a special technique used or equipment incorporated in the 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 the project(s) must be on the back of the poster.
G		770		053		Flower Gardening History Interview (SF105)- 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 (including 1 picture of the person you interviewed) of their flower garden if the individual is still gardening. Protect with a clear report cover. The 4-H member's name, age, county, and years in the project(s) must be on the back of the report cover.
House Plants
G		770		060		Flowering Potted Houseplant(s)(SF107) - that are blooming for exhibition. Containers may have one or more houseplants in the container. Label with name for each plant. Non-blooming plants will be disqualified.
G		770		061		Foliage Potted Houseplant (SF107) - one variety of tropical or cacti or succulent plant. Label with name of plant.
G		770		062		Hanging Basket (SF107) - of flowering and/or foliage houseplants. Containers may have one or more houseplants in the container. Label with name for each plant.
G		770		063		Dish Garden (SF 107) - an open/shallow container featuring a variety of houseplants excluding cacti and succulents. Label with name for each plant.
G		770		064		Fairy or Miniature Garden (SF107) - 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.
G		770		065		Desert Garden (SF107) - an open/shallow container featuring a variety of cacti and/or succulents grown as houseplants. Label with name for each plant.
G		770		066		Terrarium (SF107) - a transparent container, partially or completely enclosed; sealed or unsealed. Label with name for each plant.
G		770		900		Beautiful Buckets - They are to be exhibited on the fairgrounds for the view of the public. Be sure to tell Extension Staff where they are located. Place the buckets where you want them to be displayed when you bring them to the fairgrounds
G		770		901		Original Arrangement – An original arrangement made with flowers from your gardening project. No flower purchased will be accepted. No larger than 12” x 12”
G		770		902		Original Arrangement – An original arrangement made with a combination of native grasses, flowers, vines, or other nature materials. No larger than 18” x 18”.
G		770		903		Original Arrangement – An original arrangement made with a combination of materials such as vegetables, flowers from your gardening project or native materials, etc. No larger than 18” x 18”.

Department – G – Division 775 – Special Garden Project
The Special Garden Project changes annually.
				Division	Class	Pay	Purple	Blue	Red	White
Dept.	Division	Class No.	Class Description	775	All Classes	1	$6	$4	$2	$1
D	775	001	Special Garden Project Exhibit(SF109) - 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.
D	775	002	Special Garden Project Fresh Cut Flowers, Herbs or Harvested Vegetables (SF109) - The current year's Special Garden 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 Garden Project is a fresh cut flower (SF106). Refer to classes 201-252 for quantity to exhibit if Special Garden Project is a vegetable (SF108). Flowers and herbs must be cut, not potted.

		Department G – Division 773 – Vegetables, Herbs, Fruits & Educational Exhibits
		The cultivar or variety name must be included on all entry cards. Failure to identify the cultivar or variety will lower 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 lowered 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 lowered 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. 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. Score Sheet SF108. 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. Score Sheet SF108.
												Division			Class			Pay			Purple	Blue	Red	White
												773			All Classes			1			$6	$4	$2	$1
		Vegetable, Number’s to Exhibit – Classes 1-56 (SF108)
		Dept.			Division	Class No.			Class Description		Dept.			Division			Class No.			Class Description
		G			773	001			Lima Beans, 12		G			773			027			Russet Potatoes, 5
		G			773	002			Snap Beans, 12		G			773			028			Other Potatoes, 5
		G			773	003			Wax Beans, 12		G			773			029			Pumpkin, 2
		G			773	004			Beets, 5		G			773			030			Miniature Pumpkins (Jack Be Little type), 5
		G			773	005			Broccoli, 2		G			773			031			Radish, 5
		G			773	006			Brussels Sprouts, 12		G			773			032			Rhubarb, 5
		G			773	007			Green Cabbage, 2		G			773			033			Rutabaga, 2
		G			773	008			Red Cabbage, 2		G			773			034			Green Summer Squash, 2
		G			773	009			Carrots, 5		G			773			035			Yellow Summer Squash, 2
		G			773	010			Cauliflower, 2		G			773			036			White Summer Squash, 2
		G			773	011			Slicing Cucumbers, 2		G			773			037			Acorn Squash, 2
		G			773	012			Pickling Cucumbers, 5		G			773			038			Butternut Squash, 2
		G			773	013			Eggplant, 2		G			773			039			Buttercup Squash, 2
		G			773	014			Kohlrabi, 5		G			773			040			Other Winter Squash, 2
		G			773	015			Muskmelon/Cantaloupe, 2		G			773			041			Sweet Corn (in husks), 5
		G			773	016			Okra, 5		G			773			042			Swiss Chard, 5
		G			773	017			Yellow Onions, 5		G			773			043			Red Tomatoes (2 inches or more in diameter), 5
		G			773	018			Red Onions, 5		G			773			044			Roma or Sauce-type Tomatoes, 5
		G			773	019			White Onions, 5		G			773			045			Salad Tomatoes (under 2-inch diameter), 12
		G			773	020			Parsnips, 5		G			773			046			Yellow Tomatoes (2 inches or more in diameter), 5
		G			773	021			Bell Peppers, 5		G			773			047			Turnips, 5
		G			773	022			Sweet (Non-Bell) Peppers, 5		G			773			048			Watermelon, 2
		G			773	023			Jalapeño Peppers, 5		G			773			049			Dry Edible Beans, 1 pint
		G			773	024			Hot (Non-Jalapeño) Peppers, 5		G			773			050			Gourds, mixed types, 5
		G			773	025			White Potatoes, 5		G			773			051			Gourds, single variety, 5
		G			773	026			Red Potatoes, 5
	G				773	052			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	055			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 201-252 with any in the group collection.
	G				773	056			4-H Cultivar Vegetable Collection - Vegetables entered in the collection are 5 cultivars from a single exhibit; for example, 5 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. 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).
	HERBS Classes 60-69 (SF108)
	G			773		060		Basil, 5		G			773			064			Oregano, 5
	G			773		061		Dill (dry), 5		G			773			065			Parsley, 5
	G			773		062		Garlic (bulbs), 5		G			773			066			Sage, 5
	G			773		063		Mint, 5		G			773			067			Thyme, 5

	G			773		068		Any Other Herb, 5 (do not duplicate entries in classes 260-267)
	G			773		069		4-H Herb Garden Display of 5 different cut herbs. Herbs are to be cut not potted. Displayed in a box or other holder not more than 18 inches in any dimension. Boxes may not be returned from the State Fair. Each herb in the collection should be exhibited with the number specified for classes 260-268. Do not duplicate entries in classes 260-268 with any in the group collection.
	FRUITS Classes 80-86 (SF108)
G				773		280		Strawberries (everbearers), 1 pint		G			773			283			Pears, 5
G				773		281		Grapes, 2 bunches		G			773			284			Wild Plums, 1 pint
G				773		282		Apples, 5

G			773			285	Other small fruit or berries, 1 pint (do not duplicate entries in classes 280-284)
						286	Other fruits OR nuts, 5 (do not duplicate entries in classes 280-284)
EDUCATIONAL EXHIBITS
G			773			290	Garden Promotion Poster (SF103) - Individual poster promoting vegetable or herb gardening, size 14 inches x 22 inches either vertical or horizontal arrangement. Poster may be in any medium so long as it is not 3-dimensional. Posters using copyrighted material will not be accepted. The entry card must be attached to the upper right-hand corner. The 4-H member's name, age, county, and years in the project(s) must be on the back of the poster.
G			773			291	Educational Vegetable or Herb Garden Poster (SF104) - 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. One might show a special technique used or equipment incorporated in the garden (e.g., drip irrigation system, composting, or special techniques learned). Refer to 4-H horticulture project manuals but use your own creativity. The entry card must be attached to the upper right-hand corner. The 4-H member's name, age, county, and years in the project(s) must be on the back of the poster.
G			773			292	Vegetable and/or Herb Gardening History Interview (SF105) - Neatly handwritten or typed account of a gardening history interview of someone whose vegetable or herb garden has inspired you. Maximum of 4 pages of text and 2 pages of pictures (including 1 picture of the person you interviewed) of their garden if the individual is still gardening. Protect with a clear report cover. The 4-H member's name, age, county, and years in the project(s) must be on the back of the report cover.
G			773			293	Vegetable Seed Display (SF101) - 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 (SF102) - 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 talking 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 seeds 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 3-ring notebook. The 4-H member's name, age, county, and years in the project(s) must be on the back of the report cover or notebook.