Grants of up to $1,000 for youth gardening projects are available through the North Dakota State University Extension Service.

Funds may be used to purchase gardening supplies (tools, soil, seeds, plants or containers), books and other educational supplies. A review of the applications will begin March 14 and continue until the available funds are exhausted.

“Schools, 4-H clubs, church groups and other youth organizations are encouraged to apply,” says Dean Aakre, 4-H youth development specialist.

More than 3,700 youth participated in Junior Master Gardener projects in 2016. These projects included starting school gardens, beautifying schools and parks, constructing raised beds for the elderly and growing food for local food pantries.

“We want to help kids learn about gardening and get active in serving their community,” says Todd Weinmann, horticulture agent in Cass County.

For more information and an application form, go to https://www.ag.ndsu.edu/jrmastergardener/. Inquiries can be made to Aakre at dean.aakre@ndsu.edu, Weinmann at todd.weinmann@ndsu.edu or Tom Kalb at tom.kalb@ndsu.edu.

NDSU Agriculture Communication – Feb. 16, 2017