By Kelly Feehan
With garden catalog browsing and garden planning underway, some gardeners might consider growing their own garden transplants.
While it’s easy to start plants, it’s not easy to grow sturdy transplants that do well once planted outdoors. Without the right conditions, many end up being lanky and weak. Another issue is starting transplants too early.
Research shows vegetables planted in the garden as transplants, rather than direct seeded, grow well and yield best when transplants are strong, sturdy and of a certain age when planted outdoors.
If transplants are too old or large at planting they experience greater transplant shock. This stunts plants and leads to problems like delayed production, bolting or flowering too soon, and lower quality vegetables.
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What is Clover Kids?
Clover Kids: Where Learning and Fun Begin
By Sheila Hoppe, 4-H Youth Development Educator
The 4-H journey often begins with Clover Kids, a program specifically designed for children ages 5-7. This unique introduction to 4-H is tailored to meet the needs of young learners, offering age-appropriate activities that inspire creativity, foster social skills, and spark a lifelong love of discovery.
A Program Just for Young Explorers
Clover Kids recognizes that young children learn best through play and exploration. That’s why the program is built around non-competitive, hands-on activities that encourage curiosity and imagination. From arts and crafts to science experiments, from exploring nature to learning about animals, Clover Kids have the opportunity to dive into a variety of topics in a way that’s engaging and fun.
Learning Through Hands-On Activities
One of the hallmarks of Clover Kids is its emphasis on experiential learning. Young participants might paint a masterpiece, build a simple science project, or learn how plants grow through gardening activities. These experiences not only teach basic concepts but also help children develop motor skills, problem-solving abilities, and an early appreciation for discovery and creativity.
Building Social Skills and Confidence
Clover Kids is more than just fun and games—it’s a safe, supportive environment where children can begin building essential social skills. Whether they’re working on a craft project alongside their peers, participating in a group activity, or sharing their creations with others, children learn how to collaborate, communicate, and make new friends.
Non-Competitive and Encouraging
The non-competitive nature of Clover Kids ensures that every child feels successful and valued. Instead of focusing on winning or being the best, the program emphasizes participation, learning, and personal growth. This approach helps young children build confidence and a positive attitude toward trying new things, setting the stage for a lifetime of learning.
A Gateway to 4-H
Clover Kids serves as an ideal introduction to the world of 4-H. By participating in age-appropriate activities, children get a taste of what 4-H has to offer, preparing them to transition into the full program as they grow older. For families, it’s a wonderful opportunity to explore the 4-H community and see the many benefits it can bring to their children’s lives.
Join Clover Kids Today
If you have a child aged 5-7, now is the perfect time to introduce them to Clover Kids. The program is open to all youth in Platte County and offers a variety of opportunities to get involved. Whether your child loves animals, nature, art, or science, Clover Kids has something for everyone.
For more information on joining Clover Kids or starting a group in your area, please contact the Nebraska Extension Office at 402-563-4901.
Clover Kids is more than an activity program—it’s a stepping stone to lifelong learning, friendships, and growth. Give your child the gift of discovery and creativity by joining Clover Kids, where their 4-H adventure begins.
The Nebraska Extension Master Gardeners Volunteer (NE-EMGV) program has dedicated volunteers, some of whom have devoted more than half of their lives to Extension, actively contributing to disseminating science-based resources and knowledge within communities. (Click the Master Gardener logo for more!)
