Hey there, Green Thumb enthusiasts! Gather ’round for some exciting news that’s as fresh as the soil we love to dig into. Our Jr. Green Thumbs team just rocked the house (or should we say, the fairgrounds?) by snagging the First Place Ribbon at the 2023 Middle Tennessee District Fair (MTDF)!
Now, here’s the kicker – this is our very first year participating, and we’ve only had three classes under our belt. Yep, you read that right – three months, three classes, and one heck of a win! Who could’ve seen that coming? Well, maybe we did, but that’s beside the point.
So, what was the secret ingredient to our success? Well, it all started with our last class theme, “Soil Safari: Digging into Dirt.” You remember that, right? We explored the wonders of soil, conducted soil sample tests, and got our hands deliciously dirty in the process. That’s where it all began.
Fast forward to the MTDF, and we decided to flaunt our soil knowledge in the coolest way possible. We had our soil sample test results front and center at our booth. Yep, real science stuff, not just pretty pictures! And speaking of pictures, we had loads of those too – snapshots of our young gardeners in action, getting up close and personal with the earth, you know, where all the magic happens.
But wait, it gets even better! We didn’t just show off soil facts; we also sprinkled in some practical tips for fellow fairgoers. We’re all about spreading the green love and knowledge. Whether it was explaining the importance of soil health, sharing composting and fertilizing secrets, or showing off our creativity, we had it all!
Before we go, let’s give a big shoutout to our superstar team: Carolyn Perez, Danette Miller, Zachary Watts, and Laine McGee. These folks poured their hearts into making our booth a showstopper, and it’s safe to say their hard work paid off – big time!
So, what’s next for Jr. Green Thumbs? Well, we’re already dreaming up new ideas for the next MTDF, planning exciting classes, and getting ready to grow even more this coming year.
We couldn’t be prouder of our Green Thumb family and all we’ve accomplished so far. Remember, it’s not just about the wins; it’s about the journey and the joy of growing together.
Stay tuned for more dirt-digging adventures, laughter, and learning as we continue to empower the next generation through the magic of gardening. Here’s to many more green victories to come! 🌿🥇🌻
Keep Learning: 📚
If you’re as excited about soil health, composting, and soil testing as we are, there’s a world of information waiting for you online. Check out the UT-TSU Extension website for in-depth resources on these topics:
- Soil Health: Learn how to improve your garden soil’s health: W235-C.pdf (tennessee.edu) and W998.pdf (tennessee.edu)
- Composting: Turn your kitchen scraps into black gold with these composting tips 2. Composting | NC State Extension Publications (ncsu.edu) and Home Composting: A Guide for Home Gardeners (psu.edu).
- Soil Testing: Discover the importance of soil testing and how to do it effectively PB1061.pdf (tennessee.edu) Get a Professional Soil Test: Soil, Plant & Pest Center | Soil, Plant and Pest Center (tennessee.edu).
Stay curious, keep learning, and let’s grow together. See you in October for more gardening adventures with Junior Green Thumbs! 🌍🌻
