Plant Science and Gardening

The 4-H Youth Development Program engages youth in the scientific study of plant life. The 4-H Program teaches youth …

• Applied biological/agricultural sciences including production of all plants.
• Insight into agriculture and develop understanding of the basic principles of plant physiology as they relate to plant growth and development.
• An understanding of the methods and values of scientific research and its influence on plants and soils.
• The use of biotechnology as it pertains to the development of new and improved plant varieties.
• The role of plant nutrients, water and soil in plant growth and the geographic areas suited for plant growth growth.
• The use of integrated pest management practices (IPM) as part of an overall crop production system.

4-H CYFAR is based on research on effective programs for at-risk youth and families and on the human ecological principle of working across the lifespan in the context of the family and community. Science and technology literacy through gardening is a focus of the projects.

State 4-H Plant Science Contest takes place at the State 4-H Field day every May at UC Davis.