Junior Gardening

St. Vital Agricultural Society is committed to teaching the gardening traditions to our youth. That is why the Society organizes two competitions: Junior Gardening Competition in Garden Plots and Junior Gardening Competition in Containers. Both competitions are open to youth 8 to 14 years of age as of May 1, 2023 who reside in Southeast Winnipeg within these boundaries:

North - CN Rail line
East - Plessis Road
South - 1105 Provincial Road 200
West - Red River

Whether you have access to a garden or a container, we encourage all young people to get creative.

Junior Gardening Competition in Garden Plots

The Junior Garden Competition is intended to make youth aware of gardening and to encourage them to develop gardening skills.

Criteria for Designing and Maintaining the Garden

The garden should be approximately 3 metres by 3.7 metres (10 feet by 12 feet) or equivalent area.

The garden should be located in an area which is well drained, sunny and away from trees.

The garden does not have to be located at home, however it has to be within Southeast Winnipeg. See above for boundaries.

Flowers may be located at one side of the plot and vegetables at the other side or flowers in flower borders may be incorporated into the general design of the garden.

The rows of seeds should be marked out and the seeds planted evenly.

When the seedlings emerge from the ground, thin sufficiently so that each plant will have ample space to develop properly. As flowers mature, the old blooms should be removed.

Water plot when necessary. Control weeds at all times. Cultivate soil in good condition. Control insects and diseases using organic products.

Parents may assist the Junior Gardeners in preparing the ground and in spraying (when necessary) to control insects and diseases. The rest of the work must be done by the Junior Gardener.

Junior Gardening Competition in Containers

Container gardening offers an alternative to a regular garden which is appropriate in an urban setting. It provides an opportunity for youth to develop long lasting gardening and environmental skills.

Criteria for Designing and Maintaining Containers

Containers with a min. depth of 15 cm. (6") and drainage holes such as planters, window boxes, large flower plots, plastic garbage cans, half barrels, tubs, pails, etcetera may be used.

One or more container may be used to have a combined surface area of at least 2 square feet per crop variety.

A recommended mix of soil for container gardening is: 6 parts good top soil 3 parts peat moss 1 part compost 2 parts sand slow release fertilizer at a rate ( 2 oz. ) per 12 litre pail of mix.

When the seedlings emerge from the ground, thin sufficiently so that each plant will have ample space to develop properly.

Regular watering required every 1 to 2 days depending on size of container.

From mid July to September, weekly applications of liquid fertilizer are recommended. 5 ml ( 1 teaspoon) of Hi-Sol 20-20-20 per 4 litres of water.

As flowers mature, the old blooms should be removed.

Control weeds at all times. Cultivate soil between plants when necessary to keep soil in good condition. Control insects and diseases using organic products.

Cost to Participate

With the purchase of a Society entry fee at the cost of $3.00 per year, the Junior Gardener will receive three types of flower and three types of vegetable seeds as well as a copy of the Fair Book. The same entry fee will entitle the Junior Gardener to enter produce from their competition garden for a chance to win prizes at the Fair & Display. Exhibits from the garden plot may include:

Beans (4)

Beans are a type of legume that are a good source of protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals and are used in various dishes worldwide.

Beets (4)

Beets are a root vegetable that are high in antioxidants, fiber, vitamins, and minerals and are often eaten roasted, boiled, or pickled.

Carrots (4)

Carrots are a root vegetable that are high in beta-carotene, fiber, vitamins, and minerals and are commonly eaten raw or cooked in various dishes.

centaurea (4 Stems)

Centaurea, also known as bachelor buttons, are a flowering plant that produce blue, pink, and white flowers and are commonly used in cut flower arrangements.

marigolds (4 blooms)

Marigolds are a flowering plant that are easy to grow and commonly used for ornamental purposes in gardens and also have some medicinal properties.

zinnias (4 blooms)

Zinnias are a colorful flowering plant that come in various sizes and shapes, often used for decorative purposes in gardens and floral arrangements.

Full competition details can be found in the Fair Book. Click here for an online version of the 2023 Fair Book.

The garden will be judged before the Fair.

Click here for a full brochure and entry form. Completed entry forms and a $3.00 entry fee should be mailed to:

Karen Fontaine
58 Healy Crescent
Winnipeg, MB R2N 2S6

Or fill out the form below.