GARDEN N’ GROW: GROWING GARDENS, GROWING FUTURES
Horticulture & Turfgrass
Jennifer Schutter
HORTICULTURE SPECIALIST
KIRKSVILLE
Abstract
Garden n’ Grow, a youth gardening program for children ages 8–13, is designed to provide a summer activity where participants can connect with others in a relaxed outdoor environment filled with hands-on learning. Established in 2000 at the Adair County University of Missouri Extension Center, in Kirksville, MO, Garden n’ Grow met twice a week for two hours, late May through mid-August, for 25 years. Ten children per year enrolled in the program, with each child growing a garden in one of the 10 garden beds within a large garden. Guided by Master Gardener volunteers and myself, youth learned how to plant, maintain, and harvest a garden while gaining an understanding of the nutritional benefits of fresh produce and importance of healthy eating. They learned the value of giving back, donating excess produce to a local food pantry. Creative expression was woven into the experience through garden art projects like stepping stones and flower arrangements. After coordinating Garden n’ Grow for 24 years, I transitioned the program to a new format. In fall 2024, enrollment in the All-America Selections (AAS) Display Garden program through the National Garden Bureau brought a fresh dimension to the experience. Beginning in summer 2025, the ten garden beds became part of the AAS Display Garden, and Garden n’ Grow shifted to a week-long program, meeting Monday through Friday mornings. Enrollment remained limited to ten children to preserve the benefits of small-group instruction. New lessons introduced participants to the AAS program, allowing them to learn about AAS winners and observe their performance in the display garden. Youth harvested produce from AAS tomato, pepper, and squash varieties, picked AAS flowers for arrangements, and explored the role of pollinators—observing many species active among the AAS flower winners. Evaluations conducted five years after participation show that 90% all former Garden n’ Grow students continued gardening in some form—growing vegetables or flowers, donating produce, or making healthier food choices. One alumna became a florist and now owns a thriving floral and garden business, which she credits to Garden n’ Grow for igniting her love of gardening.
Authors: Jennifer Schutter
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Jennifer Schutter HORTICULTURE SPECIALIST, University of Missouri Extension, Missouri, 63501