Wayne County 4-H/FFA Fairbook - Horticulture

General Information:

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. 

Cut Flower Annuals and Biennials-Five (5) stems of a single variety (cultivar) unless otherwise noted in parenthesis. Classes 1-23: Cut Flower Annuals and Biennials – five stems of a single variety (cultivar) unless otherwise noted in parenthesis.

Classes: (SF 106)

+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) three stems

+G-770-007 Cosmos

+G-770-008 Dahlia

+G-770-009 Dianthus

+G-770-010 Foxglove

+G-770-011 Gladiolus (three stems)

+G-770-012 Gomphrena

+G-770-013 Hollyhock (three 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 three inches in diameter: five stems, three inches or more in diameter: three stems)

+G-770-021 Vinca

+G-770-022 Zinnia

+G-770-023 Any other annual/biennial (under three inches in diameter: five stems, three inches or more: three stems) Do not duplicate entries in classes 001 thru 022.

Cut Flower Perennials-Five (5) stems of a single variety (cultivar) unless otherwise noted in parenthesis. 

Classes 30-46: (SF 106)

+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

+G-770-037 Hydrangea (three stems)

+G-770-038 Liatris (three stems) 

+G-770-039 Lilies (three stems) (Not Daylilies)

+G-770-040 Platycodon

+G-770-041 Rose

+G-770-042 Rudbeckia/Black-eyed Susan

+G-770-043 Sedum

+G-770-044 Statice

+G-770-045 Any other perennial (under three inches in diameter: five stems, three inches or more: three stems). Do not duplicate entries in classes 030 thru 044.

+G-770-046 4-H Flower Garden Collection of five different cut flowers. Flowers are to be cut not potted. Each flower in the collection should be exhibited with the number specified for classes 001 thru 045. Display in a box or other holder not more than 18 inches in any dimension. Do not duplicate entries in classes 001 thru 045 with any in the group collection.

Educational Exhibit classes:

+G-770-050 Flower Notebook (SF 100) - 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 (SF 103) - Individual poster promoting flower gardening, size 14 inches x 22 inches either vertical or horizontal arrangement. Poster may be in any medium: watercolor, ink, crayons, etc. as long as they are not 3-dimensional. Poster using copy righted 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 (SF 104) - 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 flowers 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 (SF 105) - 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. The 4-H member's name, age, county, and years in the project(s) must be on the back of the report cover.

General Information:

A. A 4-H member may enter one exhibit per class, but each entry must receive a purple ribbon at the county fair to advance to the State Fair. 

B. Container Grown Houseplant: The choice of container and soil quality will be considered in judging. Each houseplant must be identified by listing the name on the entry tag or on a card attached to the side of the container. Identify each plant individually if more than one cultivar or variety. Houseplants should be grown in display container for a minimum of 6 weeks. Plants grown as houseplants must be used. NebGuide G2205 “Guide to Growing Houseplants” and Neb Guide G837 “Guide to Selecting Houseplants” includes a listing of common houseplants. Containers of annual flowers or annual plants (i.e. petunias, geranium, or impatiens) will be disqualified and will not be judged. 

C. Entries in classes 060 thru 066 must have been designed and planted by the 4-H member. 

D. 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 lowered one ribbon placing. 

E. Classes 060-065 must have a saucer to catch drainage water. Score Sheet SF 107F.The 4-H member’s name, age, county, and years in the project(s) must be on the bottom or back of the container and saucer. 

 Classes:

+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 the name of plant.

+G-770-062 Hanging Basket (SF107) - of flowering and/or foliage houseplants. Container may have one or more houseplants in the container. Label with name for each plant.

+G-770-063 Dish Garden (SF107) - 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.

General Information:

A. An exhibitor may enter one exhibit per class. Entries must be the work of the 4-H member.

B. Bring Vegetables, Herbs and Fruits on an appropriately sized, sturdy paper plate. 

C. Follow the guidelines in “Selecting and Preparing Vegetables, Herbs and Fruits for Exhibit” 4H 226 (revised June 2013) when preparing entries for the fair. https://4h.unl.edu/4hcurriculum/PreparingVegetablesHerbsandFruit

D. There can be no duplication of vegetable and herb classes.

E. Only fresh vegetables grown during the current season will be accepted for exhibit. No canned or dried vegetables or herbs (with the exception of dry beans) will be accepted.

F. 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 with the classes listed by using other cultivars or varieties 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 SF 108.

G. Number to exhibit noted in parenthesis.

Classes 1-56: (SF108)

+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 Brussel 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 Jalapeno Peppers (5)

+G-773-224 Hot (Non-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 (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 thru 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 thru 252). Do not duplicate entries in classes 201 thru 252 with any in the group collection.

+G-773-256 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, squash, onions, 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 thru 252).

General Information:

A. An exhibitor may enter one exhibit per class. Entries must be the work of the 4-H member.

B. Bring Vegetables, Herbs and Fruits on an appropriately sized, sturdy paper plate. 

C. Follow the guidelines in “Selecting and Preparing Vegetables, Herbs and Fruits for Exhibit” 4H 226 (revised June 2013) when preparing entries for the fair. https://4h.unl.edu/4hcurriculum/PreparingVegetablesHerbsandFruit

D. There can be no duplication of vegetable and herb classes.

E. Only fresh vegetables grown during the current season will be accepted for exhibit. No canned or dried vegetables or herbs (with the exception of dry beans) will be accepted.

F. 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 with the classes listed by using other cultivars or varieties 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 SF 108.

G. Number to exhibit noted in parenthesis.

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 lowered 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.

Classes: (SF108)

+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) 
(do not duplicate entries in classes 260 thru 267)

+G-685-269 4-H Herb Garden Display of five 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. Each herb in the collection should have the correct number of stems or bulbs as indicated in classes. Do not duplicate entries in classes 260 thru 268 with any in the group collection.

General Information:

A. An exhibitor may enter one exhibit per class. Entries must be the work of the 4-H member.

B. Bring Vegetables, Herbs and Fruits on an appropriately sized, sturdy paper plate. 

C. Follow the guidelines in “Selecting and Preparing Vegetables, Herbs and Fruits for Exhibit” 4H 226 (revised June 2013) when preparing entries for the fair. https://4h.unl.edu/4hcurriculum/PreparingVegetablesHerbsandFruit

D. There can be no duplication of vegetable and herb classes.

E. Only fresh vegetables grown during the current season will be accepted for exhibit. No canned or dried vegetables or herbs (with the exception of dry beans) will be accepted.

F. 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 with the classes listed by using other cultivars or varieties 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 SF 108.

G. Number to exhibit noted in parenthesis.

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.

Follow the guidelines in “Selecting and Preparing Vegetables, Herbs and Fruits for Exhibit” 4H 226 (revised June 2013 https://4h.unl.edu/4hcurriculum/PreparingVegetablesHerbsandFruit 

Classes; (SF108)

+G-773-280 Strawberries- everbearers (1pint)

+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 thru 284)

+G-773-286 Other fruits OR nuts (5)
(do not duplicate entries in classes 280 thru 284)

+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: watercolor, ink, crayons, etc. so long as it is not 3-dimensional. Posters using copyrighted material will not be accepted. 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 member 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. 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 (include 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 five 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 site 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 five 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 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. 

The Special Garden Project changes annually. More information may be found at 4h.unl.edu/special-garden-project. The 2025 Special Garden Project is focused on the Goldie Husk Cherry

Classes: 
+G-775-001 Special Garden Project Educational 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.

+G-775-002 Special Garden Project Fresh Cut Flowers, Herbs, or Harvested Vegetables (SF109) - The current year’s Special Garden Project fresh cut flowers, harvested vegetables, or fruit should be entered in this class. Refer to classes 001-045 for quantity to exhibit if special garden project is a fresh cut flower. Score Sheet SF106. Refer to classes 201-252 for quantity to exhibit if special garden project is a vegetable. Score Sheet SF108. Refer to classes 280-286 for the quantity if special garden project is a fruit. Score Sheet SF108. Flowers and herbs must be cut not potted.