Youth in Gardening

The involvement of young people is crucial to furthering horticulture in our province. Just as we nurture our gardens and protect our natural areas, so too must we encourage the involvement of today’s youth in all areas of horticulture.

Shortly, this province will be theirs to care for. Our responsibility as an organization is to demonstrate to youth the value of horticulture to the province, the community and the individual. Tending our responsibilities supports health and growth at all levels: the self, the garden and the society as a whole.

There are approximately 70 Youth Programs in Ontario and OHA is actively promoting more. Consequently, many Societies without Youth programs are planning to begin such a program in the near future. For these Societies, OHA provides the Youth Leader Manual – one of our most popular publications.

Why launch a Youth Program?

• foster pride in the community
• teach conservation measures
• teach gardening skills
• instill an awareness and concern for the environment
• promote involvement in an healthful and rewarding hobby