CLOVER: Gardening & Plant Science

By National 4-H Council August 14, 2020

It’s harvesting season! Now is a perfect time to teach kids about gardening and plant science, explored in this week’s collection of 4‑H at Home activities. Visit the links to learn more about the activity, and don’t forget, check back every Monday for new ideas and hands-on learning resources for kids of all ages.


Parts of a Plant

Recommended Age: Grades Pre-K-5

Courtesy of Purdue University, Indiana 4‑H 

Explore plant science by watching a video on the different parts of a plant!

Plant Anatomy 101

Self-Watering Planter

Recommended Age: Grades 3-12

Courtesy of New Mexico State University, New Mexico 4‑H

Watch this video to learn how to make a self-watering planter using a 2-liter bottle and a piece of cotton rope!

Make your planter

Gardening to Give

Recommended Age: Grades Pre-K-12

Courtesy of Iowa State University, Iowa 4‑H

Feed your club and community with weekly, hands-on activities focused on gardening and growing plants.

Give the gift of gardening

Bean in a Bottle

Recommended Age: Grades 3-5

Courtesy of Bayer & 2018 Youth in Action Agriculture Pillar Winner, Serena Woodard

Through this 4‑H STEM Lab activity, kids will learn about the life cycle of a plant and discover what their plant needs to survive. They will also learn about innovative gardens that don’t require going outside. This activity showcases how agriculture and science go hand-in-hand.

Watch your bean grow


More Weekly Lessons & Resources:

Coding & Computers

Mind & Body

Making, Media & Visual Arts

Virtual 4‑H Camp, Painting & Chemical Reactions

Helpers, Heroes & History

DNA, Fruit Batteries & Water Camp