Junior Master Gardener Program

What is Junior Master Gardener?

Seven Junior Master Gardeners with awards

The Junior Master Gardener (JMG) program is an international youth gardening program of the university cooperative Extension network. JMG engages children in novel, hands-on group and individual learning experiences that foster a love of gardening, develop an appreciation for the environment, and cultivate the mind.

2026 Junior Master Gardener Program at Hilltop

The Junior Master Gardener Program at Hilltop provides a fun, interactive environment for youth ages 9 to 13 to learn about gardening. This free program will mainly focus on growing edible plants (including fruits, vegetables, and herbs) as well as flowers.

Structure

The 2026 Junior Master Gardener Program at Hilltop will run April 1st through October 10th. Participants may choose between two time slots, Wednesdays from 6:30pm – 8pm or Saturdays from 8:30am – 10am. Participants only attend one session each week. There are a limited number of spaces available, so please only register if you are able to commit to consistent program attendance and participation. More information about the Junior Master Gardener Program can be found here.

Participant benefits

Participants in the program receive weekly gardening instruction through hands-on gardening activities. Each participant is provided with a garden plot at Hilltop that they maintain through the 2026 growing season. Plants, seeds, fertilizer, tools, and materials are provided; however, participants are welcome to bring their own seeds or plants. Participants take home the produce and flowers grown in their garden plot as well as additional herbs grown at Hilltop.

Absence policy

The 2026 program runs from April 1st through October 10th, and participants are expected to attend each week. If a participant will not be able to attend one week, please notify the instructor. Maintaining a garden plot requires weekly attention; participants are expected to not miss more than 2 weeks in a row. If the instructor is not notified of absences for more than 2 consecutive weeks, participants may forfeit their garden plot and spot in the program.

Garden maintenance

Participants will learn responsibility for the care and maintenance of their own designated garden plot. Maintenance includes watering, harvesting, and weeding both their designated garden plot and the pathways surrounding it. Consistent garden upkeep is essential to pest and invasive weed prevention. Hilltop staff will provide participants with support and assistance in maintaining their designated garden plot, but maintaining the plot is the responsibility of the participating youth.

Tools & safety

Tools are available for participants to use while working in their garden plot.

Close-toed shoes are required to protect feet and toes. On warm days, we recommend program participants bring a water bottle to stay hydrated while working outside in the gardens. While it is very uncommon that someone gets stung by an insect while at Hilltop, if a program participant has a bee allergy they should bring an epi-pen every time they are at Hilltop and be prepared to self-administer.

Behavior expectations

Program participants are expected to demonstrate care, respect, and responsibility at all times while at Hilltop.

Registration

Registration is required. A limited number of spaces are available in the program. Once those spaces have been filled, a waitlist will be started.

Thank you!

Thank you to the Monroe County Master Gardener Association, the Bloomington Garden Club, and the George E. Archer Foundation for their support of the Junior Master Gardener programs at Hilltop.