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Home Gardening in Mississippi

4-H Junior Master GardenerGarden tools

Why does 4-H promote the Junior Master Gardener program?

Many of today's youth live in an increasingly urbanized technological society far removed from the simpler, agrarian lifestyles of past generations. Through learn-by-doing activities involving plants and gardening, children can increase their knowledge of the importance of agriculture and the environment.

Texas A&M University research indicates the following:

  • Gardening as a group activity can be used as a socialization tool to learn leadership and volunteerism.
  • Students who participated in this program developed responsibility for living things.
  • Youth in this program increased compassion for people.

The Mississippi 4-H JMGsm Program provides tremendous opportunity for the state's youth to do the following:

  • Enrich and expand their minds through agriculture-based learning activities.
  • Broaden their horizons by building character and knowledge.
  • Relate to their agrarian roots through "get your hands dirty" activities.

The program has enormous potential to make a positive impact on the following:

  • Environmental awareness
  • Nutritional habits
  • Horticultural knowledge
  • Leadership skills
  • Volunteerism
  • Community involvement