Junior Master Gardener^® Program

The Junior Master Gardener (JMG^®) Program was introduced in California in 1999.  This exciting national youth gardening program, developed by Texas Agricultural Extension Service, Texas A&M University System, cultivates leadership and volunteering by utilizing fun, hands-on horticultural projects.  It also kindles and ignites an interest in science (biology) through exciting hands-on activities.  It fosters personal pride and responsibility, and encourages peer and cross-generational mentoring.

The University of California 4-H Youth Development Program is a State Partner with the JMG^® Program, joining approximately 31 states in the national JMG_® Program.

Junior Master Gardener^® Curricula

The Junior Master Gardener program engages children in novel, "hands-on" group and individual learning experiences that promote a love of gardening, develop an appreciation for the environment, and cultivate the mind. JMG encourages youths to be of service to others through service learning and leadership development projects and rewards them with certification.

New Curriculum!

To cultivate the connection children's gardening experiences to great books, the Junior Master Gardener program has developed Literature in the Garden. This curriculum utilizes six Growing Good Kids Book Award-winning titles to inspire learning through outdoor activities, creative expression and open exploration. It will enhance youths' understanding of the messages and powerful illustrations conveyed in these stories. Literature in the Garden will serve to make both their learning and the stories they are reading more relevant.

Using quality children's literature to connect kids to gardening and the natural world is a compelling concept. And bringing gardens and great books together may just be another way to grow good kids.

In Literature in the Garden, children will:

• explore the natural world, with activities that encourage leadership development, personal pride, responsibility and community involvement.
• developing critical thinking skills, youths will identify local conservation concerns and take action to address them through individual and group projects.
• Using quality children's literature to connect kids to gardening and the natural world.

All while taking part in an integrated curriculum that will strengthen skills in math, science, language and social studies.

National Jr. Master Gardener_® Program

California State Standards

• State Content Standards 3
• State Content Standards 4
• State Content Standards 5

If you have any questions or comments, or if I can assist you with your JMG^® Program, please contact:

Susan Gloeckler
State Coordinator, Junior Master Gardener_® Program
669 County Square Drive, Suite 100
Ventura, CA 93003
(805) 662-6943
sygloeckler@ucdavis.edu