The Special Garden Project gives 4-H members the opportunity to try growing a new and unusual vegetable or flower each year. The project allows experienced 4-H gardeners to grow something fun and exciting while letting those who are newer to gardening get their feet wet in the horticulture project area with a guided project experience.
2024 project
Princess India Nasturtium
The 2024 Special Garden Project is focused on the Princess India Nasturtium.
2023 project
Mrs. Burns' Lemon Basil
The 2023 Special Garden Project is focused on the Mrs. Burns' Lemon Basil. This herb can be used multiple ways. Lemon basil has a unique lemon flavor can be added to any recipe or to cut flower arrangements to add scent and interest.
Getting Started
Enroll
Enroll in the Horticulture Project through 4-H Online.
Order Seeds
Contact your local Nebraska Extension Office and let them know how many seed packets you need. If you do not contact your local Extension Office, seeds might not be available for you.
Pick Up Seeds
Pick seeds up from your local county Extension office when the county tells you the seeds are available which should be around March or April.
Plant, Grow & Harvest
Complete the evaluation no matter what happened! If every single plant lived, insects ate them off, or even if they all died, fill out the evaluation near the end of the growing season (around State Fair time).
Exhibit at the Fair optional
Educational Exhibit class G775001
The educational exhibit is based on what was learned from the project. Present information on a 14"x22" poster or in a clear plastic report cover. The 4-H member's name, age, and county must be on the back of the poster or report cover. Fresh cut flowers or harvested vegetables should be entered in class G775002
Examples of projects that could fit in this class:
- Picture/photograph - This class is up to you, as long as it includes the current year's focus plant and what you learned! Please include an 8” X 10” picture/photo mounted on 14” X 22” poster board with a caption.
- Story - Tell a story about your first experience with focus plant: growing, harvesting, or the insects it attracts. Be sure to include a photographs!
- Essay - Write an essay about what you've learned about the focus plant and growing them. Be sure to include things you would change next time and photographs.
Fresh Cut Flowers or Harvested Vegetables class G775002
The current year's Special Garden project fresh cut flowers or harvest vegetables should be entered in this class. Be sure to consult the appropriate exhibit publication for guidelines on exhibiting the specific cut flower or harvested vegetable:
Complete Evaluation
Complete the evaluation no matter what happened! If every single plant lived, insects ate them off, or even if they all died, fill out the evaluation near the end of the growing season (around State Fair time).
For questions about this program or the information on this page, please contact: