The Harrison County 4-H program is very active and provides opportunities for youth to learn about many different aspects of agriculture and family and consumer sciences.  At the beginning of 2017 there were 184 student enrolled in 4-H and approximately 140 were active in 4-H special interest groups in the county.  Seeing that there were many programs offered but none of them were directed toward horticulture, the Harrison County Horticulture Agent saw a need for a 4-H Horticulture Club.  

An interest survey was given to all students who enrolled in 4-H.  Results of the survey showed that thirty-two members expressed a desire to learn more about horticulture.  The Harrison County Horticulture Agent partnered with the 4-H agent and staff support to set a date for the first meeting which would be January 31, 2017.   A personalized letter was sent to the thirty-two students who had expressed an interest in horticulture.  

During the first six months (January to June), twenty-two youth, ages 9 to 17, have participated in one or more of the nine horticulture programs offered.  Each program engages youth in a hands-on activity related to the learning objective.  4-H members can recall basic principles of plant science, define horticulture terminology, and identify plants.  They have created a container garden by planting herbs from seed as well as tended to houseplants that they propagated by cuttings.  They have visited a local farm where they examined a variety of different fruit and vegetable plants grown in Harrison County, observed food handling procedures, and compared the different types of farming operations.

The goal of the 4-H Horticulture Club is to increase knowledge and use of science, math, and life skills; introduce career opportunities related to horticulture, access opportunities for leadership, and inspire entrepreneurship.  

The Harrison County 4-H Horticulture Club members have applied what they have learned thus far by exhibiting their horticulture products at the county fair.  The county fair was held during the last week of July and resulted in an increase in youth horticulture exhibits compared to last year.   100% of students that attended the 4-H terrarium and dish garden horticulture project day entered their exhibit into the county fair.  

In the months of July and August several practices and a mock contest were held to prepare students for the state 4-H Horticulture contest.  On August 19^th 8 students attended the Kentucky State Fair to represent Harrison County in the 4-H Horticulture Contest.  From available records it appears that is the first year that the county has had a team participate in the contest.  There were 2 county teams that competed; 1 senior level team and 1 junior level team, each with 4 members.  One contestant earned a blue ribbon, three contestants earned a red ribbon, and the remainder earned a white ribbon.  Although the students did not win, it was a wonderful learning experience for each of them and 100% of the participants want to participate again in the upcoming year either as a team member or as a club leader.