In the spring of 1983, Brigadier General Dave Thomas and members of the San Antonio Men’s Garden Club established the legacy of the Children’s Vegetable Garden Program. Currently, the Children’s Vegetable Garden Program has flourished as one of the oldest vegetable youth teaching garden programs in the nation for youth ages 6 – 14.  This commitment of growth is made possible through partnerships of the San Antonio Botanical Garden, San Antonio Botanical Society, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, Bexar County Master Gardeners, and other volunteer organizations.

About The Program:
The San Antonio Botanical Garden, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and the Bexar County Master Gardeners oversee the children’s vegetable garden program in which youngsters learn hands-on techniques of local vegetable gardening with emphasis’ on environmental stewardship and organics.  On Saturday mornings in the spring and fall, children plant, weed, water, nurture, and harvest their individual plots under the mentorship of trained certified Master Gardeners.   With a nominal fee, seeds, bedding plants and tools are furnished in which each child receives that special and individualized attention.  The spring and fall session concludes with a final harvest, cleanup and a vegetable show. Children will also engage in Junior Master Gardener hands-on activities each week after they have tended their garden.

In order to gain the most from the learning experience and to help ensure successful growing, participants are required to attend all sessions (two absences are allowed).  Families are welcome to share the gardening experience with their child.

For more information contact David Rodriguez, Bexar County Extension Agent – Horticulture.

Be sure to follow the Children’s Vegetable Garden Program Blog for updates happening at the Children’s Vegetable Garden