Plant Science Contest

4-H Plant Science Contest Information

May 17, 2025, 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:

Judging
Plant Identification
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.

National Qualifier

The four highest scoring senior-age 4-H youth (15-18) will be eligible to represent California as part of the California 4-H Plant Science Team in the Senior Horticulture Identification and Judging Contest at the National Junior Horticultural Association contest.

Individual California 4-H youth may attend the convention and participate as individual contestants in contests besides the Senior Horticulture Identification and Judging Contest.

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.

Contest Contacts