Fruit Frenzy

The JMG group has another successful day at the garden and the rain stayed away!

Megan and the 4-H Ambassadors made Fruit Pomanders with the JMG session. The kids really got into it and some even knew why they are used!

In another session Jen made Citrus Salad using lettuce and spinach from the garden while Ruth demonstrated the textures, tastes and smells of fruit.

We'll continue our learning journey again next week....

Let's Jam

Our theme for July 15 was "Let's Jam." Master Gardener, Elaine Braaten, did just that with the kids. With the raspberries from her home, she demonstrated how to make jam. Everyone was able to take home a yummy sample!

While some kids were busy making jam another group was making Colorful Fruit Salad with Jen. Youth learned how to cut up fruit and how to use the juices from the fruit. The completed salad looked delicious. Hopefully the kids have tried the recipe at home!

The JMG session learned the methods of preserving foods. Freezing, Dehydrating and Canning methods were discussed. Patty brought in canned foods for the kids to look at. The youth tried canned Strawberry Jam and Tomato Juice and sampled some dehydrated foods.

Youth harvested green beans, lettuce, zucchini, swiss chard and kolhrabi from the garden. Some of the kids were taking the produce to sell at the Farmer's Market. Each week we are able to see how different the garden looks and we are amazed at how it is producing. The best part of this program is watching the kids grow and learn. These are valuable lessons that will last a lifetime!!

The garden is growing and producing beautifully! Master Gardeners, Shirley and Pam, had the kids pick peas, kohlrabi, and spinach. A few kids washed up the produce for Megan to take to the Farmer's Market. After the 2 in 1 garden was harvested the plants were pulled up, the soil was worked and it was replanted, hence the name 2 in 1. While some of the youth worked in the garden others were learning how to make salsa in the kitchen with Jen. Our 4-H summer intern, Megan, had her groups make ice cream in a bag. This was a huge hit with the kids! While kids were finishing up their ice cream the JMG groups made scarecrows in the garden. We all had lots of fun and look forward to the next session!