'I Can Grow'

“I Can Grow” is a national campaign from Burpee Home Gardens that supports and encourages the popular interest in home vegetable gardening among younger and novice gardeners.

In its third year, the 2012 "I Can Grow" Youth Garden Award received more than 500 applications ― double the amount received in 2011 ― from community and urban school gardens across the United States. This year's grand-prize winners are:

• Islands High School in Savannah, GA
• P.S. 323 in Brooklyn, NY
• The Village of Arts and Humanities in Philadelphia, PA

In addition, this year’s runner-up winners are:

• City of Houston WaterWorks Education Center in Humble, TX
• Urban Youth Impact in West Palm Beach, FL
• Pleasant Ridge School Foundation in Cincinnati, OH

"The huge increase of applicants from nearly every state in the country shows just how widespread the youth and school gardening movement has become," said Burcu Beba, brand manager, Burpee Home Gardens. "We are thoroughly impressed with the enthusiasm and dedication demonstrated in each application and we are eager to support these young and novice gardeners as they get growing this spring."

All winners will receive up to 500 vegetable and herb plants, including the Burpee BOOST collection, 5 gallons of Daniels® Plant Food, one hose-end sprayer and a Flip Video™ camera to document the garden’s progress throughout the year on the Burpee Home Gardens blog. In addition, grand-prize winners will receive $2,500 in garden supplies and on-site assistance for initial garden layout and installation from the experts at Burpee Home Gardens. All applicants will receive vegetable and flower seeds, as well as educational materials, to keep their gardens growing.

To learn more about these school and community gardens, click here. Find updates on how these gardens flourish throughout the year at the Burpee Home Gardens blog and Facebook page.

As a whole new generation of gardeners looks for fresher, more nutritious food and feels the need to connect with their community and nurture their environmental responsibility, Burpee and "I Can Grow" will help them find the resources they need to be successful gardeners!

To learn more about community gardens, click on the following links:

About "I Can Grow"

"I Can Grow" Guide for Educators

2012 "I Can Grow" Youth Garden Award