Plant Science Contest

4-H Plant Science Contest Information

May 25, 2024, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
UC Davis Hart Hall

All youth ages 9-18 are welcome to participate!
Drop-in to the contest room anytime during the contest hours to participate.

4-H Plant Science teaches youth...

  • Applied biological/agricultural sciences including production of all plants.
  • Insight into agriculture and develop understanding of the basic principles of plant physiology as they relate to plant growth and development.
  • An understanding of the methods and values of scientific research and its influence on plants and soils.
  • The use of biotechnology as it pertains to the development of new and improved plant varieties.
  • The role of plant nutrients, water and soil in plant growth and the geographic areas suited for plant growth.
  • The use of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) as part of an overall crop production system.

Contest Rules

The Plant Science Contest is organized into three parts:

  1. Judging
  2. Plant Identification
  3. Written

The contest provides opportunities for you to:

  • Increase your knowledge of horticultural plants and horticultural/plant science techniques
  • Expand your ability to identify various plants
  • Interact with other youth interested in plant science. 

Questions? Please contact 4hsfd@ucanr.edu.
Competition Coordinator: Terry Berke at 5littleberkepeppers@gmail.com

Contest Resources

National Junior Horticultural Association (NJHA)

NJHA Study Manual - A good online resource for 4-H members interested in doing independent research on plant science

University of California (UC) Master Gardener Program - The UC Master Gardener Program extends UC research-based information about home horticulture and pest management to the public.

National Qualifier:

The four highest scoring senior-age 4-H youth (15-18) will be eligible to be part of the California State 4-H Plant Science team representing California at the National Junior Horticultural Association contest.

In addition to the qualifying California 4-H team members, other 4-H youth can attend the convention and participate in demonstration, speech, cooking, and several other contests.

Contest Contacts

Questions? Please contact 4hsfd@ucanr.edu.
Competition Coordinator: Anna Richards,