Growing in the garden at recent youth sessions ...

Gardening and pizza went together perfectly in Waukon and Lansing at recent youth sessions hosted by Allamakee County Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. Youth learned the different parts of a plant, and how each part is edible depending on the fruit or vegetable. It was discussed which parts help make a pizza, while everyone designed their perfect pizza. Ideas ranged from pepperoni to ice cream to candy pizza. Youth used English muffins to make personal pizzas for lunch.

They also discussed the four needs for plants to survive: air, soil, water and sun. To highlight soil, everyone was able to plant their own pizza garden to take home, using a variety of seeds used to make pizza such as tomato, pepper, basil and thyme. To highlight sun, they made UV bracelets, which turned colors in the sunshine. Other skills gained were knife cutting, correct handwashing using the Glo Germs, and measuring and making their own snack.

For more information about 4-H and upcoming activities contact Becky Rea, 4-H K-12 Program Coordinator, at the Allamakee County Extension and Outreach Office at 563-568-6345 or http://www.extension.iastate.edu/allamakee/. Submitted photos.