Planting and watching a garden grow can be a great experience for youth. Crittenden County Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent Dee Heimgartner worked with Audubon Area Early Childhood Development program in Marion to start seeds and establish two raised garden beds.

The Early Childhood students, primarily at risk children from birth to age five, planted squash seed in early spring. The children watched the seed grow into a young seedling. At the beginning of summer, the squash plants along with cucumbers, tomatoes, and peppers were planted outside in the raised garden beds. Building materials for the garden beds was purchased by the Crittenden County School 21st Century Program, top soil was donated by a local farmer and the seeds, plant and fertilizer was purchased with SNAP funds from the Crittenden County Extension Office. Heimgartner built and filled the raised beds and the children helped to plant the vegetable seedlings. As the vegetables grew, the children watered and to tended to the small vegetable garden with assistance from their teachers. 

All produce that was grown was sent home with the parents/ guardians of the children. The Audubon Early Childhood Development families were able to enjoy fresh vegetables that could be included in healthy meals at no cost to the family. The children enjoyed watching and helping in the garden.