STILLWATER, Okla. – In conjunction with the 50th anniversary celebration of “Oklahoma Gardening,” middle and high school youth from across the state are invited to participate in a fun and friendly gardening contest.
Who/What: While “Oklahoma Gardening” reflects on its roots, the show also focuses on the future and celebrates the next generation of green thumb gardeners. Youth ages 12-18 who are enthusiastic about gardening are encouraged to enter. Winners selected this summer will receive a prize and be featured on the show later this season.
How: Youth are invited to submit photos of last year’s garden or what they are currently growing in this year’s garden along with their name, age, city, a description of the garden and how they started gardening to [email protected].
When: The entry deadline is May 30.
Why: Casey Hentges, Oklahoma State University Extension associate horticulture specialist and show host, said she got her start in horticulture early in life and knows there are other youth doing the same thing.
“Whether you have a vegetable garden, a container garden, take care of a local park or school garden or have your own mowing business, we want to hear from you and see what you’re doing and what challenges you may have faced,” she said. “We’ve hosted other contests before, and we’re looking forward to seeing what the younger generation is accomplishing in their gardens.
The interest in gardening continues to flourish year after year and is becoming increasingly popular among younger generations.
Shape Your Future, a program of the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust, is partnering with “Oklahoma Gardening” for this contest.
“Shape Your Future is dedicated to improving the health of all Oklahomans, including our youth,” said Julie Bisbee, executive director of TSET. “This contest encourages physical activity, builds responsibility and inspires healthy habits – all of which empower the next generation of Oklahomans to live healthier lives.”
“Oklahoma Gardening” airs each Saturday at 11 a.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. on the local OETA-TV channels. Viewers can also subscribe to the “Oklahoma Gardening” YouTube channel to see full shows or search for specific segments.