Kids Can Grow

"Kids Can Grow" youth participant stands proudly next to her newly planted square-foot, raised-bed gardenKids Can Grow is a University of Maine Cooperative Extension youth gardening program for ages 7-12.

Through a series of “hands-on” gardening classes, Kids Can Grow teaches children:

  • How to choose, plant, and grow nutritious vegetables, herbs, and beautiful flowers for their families
  • The basics of good nutrition and food safety
  • How to build and plant a 3’ X 5’ raised bed garden at home, with materials, seedlings, and amended topsoil supplied by us.

Children are matched with Master Gardener or 4H Volunteers as mentors to assist and inspire them with their home gardens.

Using intensive square-foot gardening techniques in the group gardens at class, and repeating what they learn at home, children have the opportunity to learn that they can produce healthy food.  Produce raised in the class gardens will be donated through Maine Harvest for Hunger to local Food Pantries or Shelters, allowing children the pride of giving back to their communities. Produce raised in their home gardens is theirs to share with family and friends.

Healthy snacks and all materials are provided; limited financial assistance is available.

The Kids Can Grow Program, and its cost may vary slightly in each county.

Hancock County
For more information or to sign up, please call 207.667.8212, email extension.hancock@maine.edu or visit the UMaine Extension Hancock County website.

York County
For more information or to sign up, please call 324.2814, 800.287.1535 (in Maine), e-mail mary.wicklund@maine.edu or visit the UMaine Extension York County website.