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ISU Extension and Outreach program encourages Jr. Master Gardeners

By Virginia Ekstrand

Jun. 17, 2024 6:06 pm

A large group of New London students attended the first program offered the ISU Extension and Outreach. Sadie Martin led the group through the first steps to becoming a Junior Master Gardener. The Master Gardener program trains garden enthusiasts to learn, grow, and teach others about plants and gardening in the home landscape. The program has been extended to reach younger students and teach skills that can provide a healthier lifestyle and provide a life long fun and interesting pastime.

The program began by introducing the leaders. Four New London teenagers were there to assist in all the activities. Carol Remick, Master Gardener, has ties to both the Henry County and the Des Moines County Master Gardeners. Her expertise was very welcome. Sadie Martin is well known to New London students. She coordinates the 4H programs as well as teaching at many ISU Extension events.

Creating name place tags was the first activity. The name tag included the participants favorite fruit, vegetable and flower as well as their name. Some very unusual and unexpected entries were named and illustrated. After group reading a book, the students gathered back at their tables. Picture cards of various edible plants were shown. Everyone began trying to identify which were vegetables and which were fruits. This is a very difficult task. The cultural definition of fruits and vegetables is determined by how they are eaten – not by the scientific definition. The discussion became loud and divisive at times. Miss Sadie cleverly defined fruits as something that hangs. It seemed to help.

Miss Carol presented a program on compost and its importance in producing healthy and vibrant garden produce. The three hours went swiftly as many topics were covered. The students are looking forward to the next program. Miss Sadie will return with a cardboard construction project. The library has a large number of summer programs in addition to reading. Check their schedule regularly.

A large crowd of New London students gathered for the Jr. Master Gardener program.
A large crowd of New London students gathered for the Jr. Master Gardener program.
Creating a place name tag was fun. After printing their name, students drew and identified their favorite fruit, vegetable, and flower.
Creating a place name tag was fun. After printing their name, students drew and identified their favorite fruit, vegetable, and flower.
Given cards picturing produce, students determined whether the item was a fruit or a vegetable. The card might have familiar item such as corn or an unfamiliar one such as coconut.
Given cards picturing produce, students determined whether the item was a fruit or a vegetable. The card might have familiar item such as corn or an unfamiliar one such as coconut.
Carol Remick, Master Gardener, talks to students about the importance of compost as well as how to produce the important ingredient producing tasty vegetables and fruits.
Carol Remick, Master Gardener, talks to students about the importance of compost as well as how to produce the important ingredient producing tasty vegetables and fruits.
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