4-H Plants, Soils & Gardening

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Itching to learn about poison ivy?

Explore the basics of plants and plant science – plant growth, soils, plant varieties, pest control measures, equipment and gardening techniques – through 4-H plants, soils and gardening projects. Learn about crop and soil sciences wherever you can grow plants, whether that’s in a basket, on a small garden plot or on an acre of land. Discover the magic of the earth and harvest a bushel full of knowledge and experience.

Seeds, Weeds & Garden Reads—Michigan 4-H Gardening & Nutrition Activities for 5 to 8 Year Olds

Contact

For more information on how to get involved as a youth or volunteer, contact your county MSU Extension office or:

Dixie Sandborn, Extension Specialist
Department of Horticulture
Michigan State University
414 Plant and Soil Sciences Building
East Lansing, MI 48824-1325
Email: sandbord@msu.edu
Phone: 517-355-5191 Ext. 1404

For more information on the Michigan 4-H Children’s Garden, contact:

Norman K. Lownds, Ph.D., Curator, Michigan 4-H Children’s Garden
Department of Horticulture
Michigan State University
A-240B Plant and Soil Sciences Building
East Lansing MI 48824
Email: lownds@msu.edu
Phone: 517-355-5191 Ext. 1349

News

Michigan 4-H launches new viticulture curriculum: Let's Grow Grapes

Published on April 2, 2025
Let’s Grow Grapes: Michigan 4-H Viticulture is an introduction to the grape industry, focusing on growing grapes and exploring careers in viticulture (the science and practice of cultivating grapes).
Plant science at the dinner table: cranberries

Published on December 11, 2024
Cranberries are colorful, healthy and can be used in a variety of ways, in both recipes and decorating for the holidays.
New 4-H Children’s Gardens fund remembers Cass County 4-H alumna and teacher; endows educational coordinator position

Published on November 20, 2024
Terry and Pamela Proctor established the Sarah L. Proctor Educational Endowment at the Michigan 4-H Children’s Gardens to support the gardens’ educational coordinator position well into the future.