Welcome to the JMG® Junior Master Gardener® program. The curriculum provides a hands-on approach to learning horticulture, environmental science, leadership, and life skills. This program is committed to helping young people become gardeners and contributing citizens.

Everyone! We only ask that the teacher/leader be willing to work with youth! The JMG® leader does not have to be a Master Gardener to lead a JMG® group. If the leader needs garden resources and information, they can contact the local county Extension service for support. JMG® groups are organized through public/private schools, home school groups, and after-school programs. Many groups utilize the JMG® program in their 4-H clubs, YMCA activities, Girl Scout and Boy Scout badge work.

Flexibility is a key component of the JMG® program. JMG® activities allow the teacher/leader and youth gardeners to customize the JMG® program to meet their needs and interests. JMG® can be utilized by many different groups and age levels. The program targets three levels:

Level 1: Grades 3-5 (currently available)
Level 2: Grades 6-8 (now available)

JMG® Curriculum

A youth handbook and teacher/leader guide supports the JMG® program. The curriculum consists of 8 chapters: Plant Growth and Development, Soils and Water, Ecology and Environmental Horticulture, Insects and Diseases, Landscape Horticulture, Fruits and Nuts, Vegetables and Herbs, and Life Skills/Career Exploration.

Our Golden Ray Seriessm provides youth gardeners the chance to learn in-depth specific areas of horticulture and environmental sciences. The first Golden Ray Seriessm release, "Health and Nutrition from the Garden," is now available. This book contains hands on garden related activities to teach gardening basics, growing techniques, thrifty gardeners, food safety, ABC's of healthful eating, and healthful snacks. The variety of activities are sure to excite youths and adults.

Become a certified Junior Master Gardener®

Certification is the highest level of program participation, and includes certification in all eight units. To be certified youth must complete one group and one individual activity in each learning concept. Level one contains 44 learning concepts. Youth must also complete one leadership/service-learning project per chapter. When youth complete these activities the JMG® teacher/leader sends in the completion form that lists the names of the children who have met the program requirements. This form is found in the teacher/leader appendix, starting on page 217. When JMG® office receives the completion form, a completion certificate for each JMG® youth will be sent to the JMG® teacher/leader.

*JMG®certification medals are a great recognition item for youth and can be ordered through the JMG® shop.

Or... Complete a Golden Ray Series_sm

Golden Ray recognition is offered to youth that complete a small part of the JMG® program. Groups can choose to focus on one chapter or a specific topic. There are two ways to achieve this recognition.

Option one: One of the eight chapters in JMG® handbook can be completed as a Golden Ray Seriessm. Choose a chapter in the book and complete two group activities per concept and two individual activities, and one service learning project. After completing these activities, send the completion form to the JMG® office . The youth will achieve Golden Ray certification in that chapter (i.e. Plant Growth & Development, Insects & Disease, etc.). Youth can achieve Golden Ray certification in all eight chapters of the JMG® curriculum.

Option two: Complete one of the Golden Ray Seriessm curriculums. Now available is the first of the series, "Health and Nutrition from the Garden".

*Golden Ray Recognition medals are available for youth who achieve certification and can be ordered through the JMG® shop.

How Do I Get Registered?

To become a registered JMG® group:

1. Have a minimum of five youth in a group.

2. Have one or more adult leaders or teachers for the group.

3. Have a suitable meeting facility (ie: classroom, garden area, etc.).

4. Fill out enrollment packet - this is in the Appendix (pg. 217) or downloadable from the web page - www.jmgkids.org

• JMG® Registration Agreement Form
• JMG® Group Enrollment Form
• JMG® Leader/Teacher Form

6. When your enrollment packet is received your group will receive a certificate showing that the group is a registered program. The enrollment packet does not obligate all youth to become registered Junior Master Gardeners. It simply recognizes that youth at a particular site are participating in the JMG® program.

Why Should I Register My Group?

Registering your group is fast and free. You are not obligated to the Junior Master Gardener® program (no annual fees, you aren't obligated to complete the entire program, etc.). Registering gives us a way of knowing where our program is working and how we can provide program updates and information to you. The greatest advantage to registering your group is that registered groups may submit pictures to be added to their very own web page within the National JMG® web site.

The JMG® Shop

It is the sole provider of the JMG® curriculum along with a variety of JMG® merchandise.