LAKE and MCHENRY COUNTIES — Families with young children are invited to dig into a summer of hands‑on learning as the Little Roots 4‑H Cloverbud Gardening Project opens registration for the 2026 season. Designed for children ages 5–7, this engaging program introduces budding gardeners to the joys of planting, growing, and harvesting through simple, weekly activities.
The Little Roots Gardening Calendar (provided as part of the project) will guide Cloverbuds and their caregivers through the process of growing seven different plants from seed to harvest. Weekly activities encourage children to observe nature, learn basic horticulture terms, and practice caring for their plants.
Participants will need access to a small 6' x 6' garden plot or containers with a nearby water source. Each $5 project kit includes:
- Little Roots Gardening Calendar
- Little Roots Seed Packets (radish, pumpkin, zinnia, sunflower, basil)
- Tomato and pepper transplants
- Supplemental gardening resources
Kits will be available for pickup at your Lake or McHenry Extension office beginning in mid‑April.
To support families throughout the growing season, participating adults will be invited to join a private Facebook group offering weekly tips, videos, and activity ideas. Cloverbuds in Lake and McHenry counties may also choose to showcase their vegetables and flowers at their local 4‑H county fair or within the Facebook group.
Participation in the Little Roots project does not require 4‑H membership. However, families interested in joining a Cloverbud club are encouraged to contact their local 4‑H coordinator for information about nearby opportunities.
Register for the event online, or by calling your Lake 847-223-8627 or McHenry 815-338-3737 Extension Office. Registration is open until Monday, February 23.
University of Illinois Extension develops educational programs, extends knowledge, and builds partnerships to support people, communities, and their environments as part of the state's land-grant institution. Extension serves as the leading public outreach effort for University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences in all 102 Illinois counties through a network of 27 multi-county units and over 700 staff statewide. Extension’s mission is responsive to eight strategic priorities — community, economy, environment, food and agriculture, health, partnerships, technology and discovery, and workforce excellence — that are served through five program areas — 4-H youth development, agriculture and agribusiness, community and economic development, health and community wellness, and natural resources, environment, and energy.