4-H Plants, Soils & Gardening

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Itching to learn about poison ivy?

Explore the basics of plants and plant science – plant growth, soils, plant varieties, pest control measures, equipment and gardening techniques – through 4-H plants, soils and gardening projects. Learn about crop and soil sciences wherever you can grow plants, whether that’s in a basket, on a small garden plot or on an acre of land. Discover the magic of the earth and harvest a bushel full of knowledge and experience.

Seeds, Weeds & Garden Reads—Michigan 4-H Gardening & Nutrition Activities for 5 to 8 Year Olds

Contact

For more information on how to get involved as a youth or volunteer, contact your county MSU Extension office or:

Dixie Sandborn, Extension Specialist
Department of Horticulture
Michigan State University
414 Plant and Soil Sciences Building
East Lansing, MI 48824-1325
Email: sandbord@msu.edu
Phone: 517-355-5191 Ext. 1404

For more information on the Michigan 4-H Children’s Garden, contact:

Norman K. Lownds, Ph.D., Curator, Michigan 4-H Children’s Garden
Department of Horticulture
Michigan State University
A-240B Plant and Soil Sciences Building
East Lansing MI 48824
Email: lownds@msu.edu
Phone: 517-355-5191 Ext. 1349

News

Milkweed matchmaker: Introducing you to the native ornamental of your dreams

Published on June 29, 2026
Michigan is home to many native plants that are important for sustaining the ecosystem and can work as wonderful ornamentals in your garden. Learn about the different species of milkweed commonly available in the Midwest.
Adding native plants to your garden

Published on March 23, 2026
Native plants have several characteristics that make them appealing as garden and landscape plants.
Flower gardening is good for you! Plan now for a beautiful cut flower garden

Published on March 12, 2026
When growing flowers for cutting, focus on a garden that will provide you with a good supply of flowers throughout the season, making you happy and healthy.