If you participate in 4-H outside of Livingston, McLean, or Woodford Counties and are interested in participating in the program, please contact Brittnay Haag at bhaag@illinois.edu.
Little Roots is a gardening program for children 5-7 years old, it is a great activity for 4-H Cloverbud clubs or individuals. The program encourages and inspires youth to grow their own food and flowers, increase interest in 4-H and gardening project areas, and provides an opportunity for family engagement this summer through 4-H programming. It was created by U of I Extension, Livingston-McLean-Woodford County horticulture, and 4-H educators in 2019.
Participants will receive seeds (radish, pumpkin, zinnia, sunflower, basil), tomato & pepper transplants, a gardening calendar, and supplemental gardening resources. There is no fee to participate in the program.
A bright, kid-friendly gardening calendar guides children and an adult in growing seven different plants from seed through harvest. The calendar provides weekly activities from May through September that encourage observing the world around them, researching horticulture basics, and caring for their plants. The youth will explore pollination & insects, weather, plant parts, the life cycle, and plant care. Available in English and Spanish.
Adults will be invited to join a private Facebook group to receive weekly tips, videos, and gardening activities. Youth are encouraged to “showcase” their vegetables and flowers at their local county 4-H show, Illinois State University Horticulture Center events, and in the private Facebook group.
A Leader Activity Guide offers supplemental gardening activities for club leaders or parents to introduce the topic of gardening or to kick off the Little Roots Gardening Calendar program for the year. The guide includes background information, questions, and step-by-step directions of hands-on activities on seeds, plant lifecycles, garden planning, and plant needs. Available in English and Spanish.
Request a leader activity guide by emailing Brittnay Haag.
