The 2024 Dodge County Youth Master Gardener program is strong and running well. We have 16 students enrolled for the 2024-2025 school year, kindergarten through 9th grade. We have 3 kindergartener students, making this a younger class than we have had in recent years. That has changed the way we are teaching this year somewhat, but it has been a good, engaged class.

The students went to Prairie Ridge Assisted Living Facility and conducted a program again this year to do a program. The students and residents all enjoy this event. They also went to Crossroads Care Center, Mayville to plant containers and engage with the residents. As another community service project, they planted the containers in Kekoskee.

The summer gardens were a challenge due to a difficult weather year. Pounding spring rains followed by a stretch of drought hampers growing conditions. We also battled a rabbit infestation until we erected some fence. We had to plant some things three times as the rabbit made short work of them every time we planted. Nevertheless, we still had a good harvest.

Once the school year began, classes moved inside and focused on topics including plant classification, apples, pressed flowers, pumpkins, and more. We had several guest speakers, including one on landscaping practices and one on proper pruning techniques.

It has been another outstanding year with an exceptional class.