4-H Project Ideas for Indoor Gardening

Source: University of Minnesota Extension

Ideas for your project:

1.  Plant a terrarium.  This should be a self-sustaining environment, and it should be planted at least a month before the fair.  You can use large pickle jars, aquariums, fish bowls, or any other clear glass container that will be large enough to include all the necessary components.  You'll also need soil, fertilizer, drainage material, plants, and a small piece of moss.  With a terrarium, you can create an interesting design and watch your plants grow.

2.  Plant a dish garden.  You'll want to be sure the dish is the right proportion for the plants.  Choose plants that have the same nutritional and sunlight needs, such as all desert plants or all tropical plants.  You'll also want to choose plants that are different sizes, textures and colors.  This will add variety to your dish garden.  Also be sure you have good soil and an appropriate drainage material for this dish garden.

3.  Experiment with different types of soils.  Try to grow the same plant in different soils, while keeping all other variables (sun, water, etc.) the same.  Record what happens to each plant.  Try it again with a different plant and the same types of soils.  Does this plant respond the same to these soils?

4.  Begin growing a plant that requires special training.  Some plants need to be pruned to keep their shape and make them stronger.  Pinching some plants helps them develop into a branching, bushier plant.  Growing plants on or around certain supports can be done to make a plant grow in a specific direction or area.

5.  Do you have a favorite indoor plant?  Do some research on this plant to see what kind of conditions it likes best.  Find out what lighting conditions it prefers, the kind of fertilizer that helps it grow best, its water needs, and its susceptibility to certain insects or diseases.  Then try to grow this plant by following these recommendations and see how healthily it grows.

6.  Select a plant or two for a hanging container.  Pick ones that are going to be best displayed by hanging in your home.  Then work with your parents to find a place in your home that will allow it adequate light and easy access for fertilizing and watering.

7.  Contact one or more of the Master Gardeners and set up a time to interview them about their indoor gardening experiences.  You might even volunteer to help one with his or her plants this year.  For a list of Master Gardeners and their areas of expertise, call the Extension Office.

8.  Some plants grow and grow and grow until they're out of control.  You can either prune them, or you can often cut them in order to propagate them.  Some plants can propagate from a leaf and stem in water.  Others require soil and more of the plant.  Others still propagate well with the air layering method.  Find out what works best for your plants, and go shopping for some new pots!

9.  Visit a local florist and ask if you can shadow them someday.  Ask them if they'll help you learn some of their techniques for selecting items for planters and other arrangements.  You might volunteer to help them do some cleaning or other tasks to thank them for their time.

10.  Force some bulbs to bloom inside during the winter months.  Tulips, hyacinth, narcissus, crocus, and daffodils can be potted indoors.  The warm temperatures indoors will cause them to bloom in mid-winter.

11.  Check out Iowa State University Extension's Yard & Garden page.  Got gardening questions? Call the Hortline and Ask the ISU Expert at (515) 294-3108, Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4:30 p.m., or e-mail us at hortline@iastate.edu.

12.  Come up with your own activity, or call the Extension Office for more great ideas.  We also have several project books you can check out.  These books are full of hands-on ideas for you to learn more about indoor gardening

Links to Visit for Further Information and Ideas:

***Please note: these links will take you to non-ISU Extension web sites.

Gardening: Indoor/Container:  Find several links to helpful indoor gardening sites.

Indoor Gardening:  The Virginia Cooperative Extension's website about Indoor Gardening.

Indoor Gardening - Culture:  Check out this University of Minnesota Extension Service's site on Indoor Gardening.

Indoor Gardening - Insects/Diseases:  Protect your plants from pests by visiting this University of Minnesota Extension Service website.

If you need more help or ideas, we have a variety of resources for you in the Extension Office. Feel free to stop by or give us a call at 563-568-6345.