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Comments from the Editor: This manual is intended to serve as a resource guide for Ohio Master Gardeners and others interested in beginning or expanding children's gardening programs. A multitude of options exist, ranging from short classroom presentations to outdoor gardens that youth participate in over the course of a season or longer. In some programs, Master Gardeners work directly with kids, while in others they provide teacher training. Many of the programs are directed to elementary-age children, but some are available for older youth.

The first section offers tips from two experts on designing gardens for kids and planning children's programs. The second section describes programs developed for children. Included are projects currently offered by Master Gardeners around the state, as well as programs conducted by other agencies and organizations. The final section of this manual is a reference list of books, suppliers, web-sites, and organizations that pertain to children's gardening. Many of the books can be borrowed from the State Master Gardener Office (please order books through your County Coordinator).

A recent study of Florida elementary school teachers found that teachers used school gardens infrequently. However, over 84% felt that garden-related activities did enhance student learning. One explanation given by the study¯s authors for the minimal use of school gardens is that teachers are unaware of educational resources to assist with garden learning. Hopefully, some of the resources listed in this manual will be of value.

One copy of the guide is available free of charge to each county office. Feel free to photocopy and distribute it as desired. The guide is also available on the Ohio Master Gardener web site: www.hcs.ohio-state.edu/mg/mg.html.

Many thanks to all the Master Gardeners and Extension staff around the state who contributed materials for this guide.

Kathy Burkholder, Program Assistant
OSU Extension Master Gardener Program
Department of Horticulture and Crop Science
232 Howlett Hall, 2001 Fyffe Ct.,Columbus, OH 43210
phone: (614) 292 - 5205
e-mail: burkholder.2@osu.edu