4-H Plants, Soils & Gardening

View information by type

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

Plant science at the dinner table: pumpkin leaves

Published on November 13, 2025
Pumpkin leaves are used as a “green” much like spinach, beet or turnip greens throughout the world.
Plant science at the dinner table: Tomatoes

Published on July 24, 2025
Tomatoes are at the top of the list for summertime favorites. Nothing tastes as good as a tomato right off the vine.
The benefits of planting flowers and herbs in your vegetable garden

Published on June 18, 2025
Although there is a lack of scientific research available, there is a rich history and an abundance of anecdotal evidence that flowers are a great addition to your vegetable garden.