Madison County 4-H has had several youth interested in Horticulture and gardening. However, hosting a horticulture judging contest is costly. This year, the Madison County 4-H agent applied for an AG Mini Grant through the Kentucky 4-H Foundation (funded through AG tag program), and offered a 4-H Horticulture Judging clinic and contest for surrounding counties as well as Madison County youth.

Two horticulture Agents, Tyson Gregory and Jessica Wells, assisted with the program and taught youth how to identify fruits, vegetables, herbs, landscape ornamentals, and flowers and houseplants. Youth also learned to judge vegetables and had lunch before the contest began. 

 Madison County had 3 youth who ended up participating in the horticulture judging contest at the KY State Fair after participating in the clinic. It is our hope that through being engaged in the horticulture judging program, all of the participating youth will be more actively engaged in where their food comes from. They may even begin growing gardens of their own which we know leads to healthier out comes such as spending more time outside and physically active, and being more willing to try fruits and vegetables. We are already looking forward to next year’s event!