University of Missouri Extension Master Gardeners of Greater Kansas City conducts a summer gardening program for kids ages 9-13.

In the Garden ‘N Grow Program, youths learn not only vegetable gardening, but also “cultivate” other science, math, and language arts skills and have fun. The goals of this program are to experience the fun of gardening, to enjoy a feeling of success, and to have the satisfaction of sharing harvested food with family or for local food banks, according to a press release.

Master Gardeners use cooperative teaching skills to educate youth about seeds, transplants, garden planning and design, site preparation, soils, plant growth and development, costs of production, garden pests, plant health care, human nutrition, food value, food needs in the local community, and horticultural career opportunities. The development of the whole child is emphasized as well as team building as they garden.

Each Master Gardener is trained by University of Missouri Extension specialists.

The Garden ‘N Grow Program will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. Mondays and Thursdays from June 2 through Aug. 14 at Fairview Christian Church, 1800 NE 65th St., Gladstone.

Registration is required. There is a supply fee that includes a student workbooks, games and crafts, and some vegetable garden supplies. For more information on the program and fees, contact Debbie Johnson, extension master gardener at djw603@gmail.com or Cass Sullivan, extension master gardener at cass.sullivan301@gmail.com.