The JUNIOR MASTER GARDENER (JMG) Mission: To grow good kids by igniting a passion for learning, success and service through a unique gardening education. The JMG program engages children in novel, “hands-on” group and individual learning experiences that promote a love of gardening, develop an appreciation for the environment, and cultivate the mind. JMG encourages youths to be of service to others through learning and leadership development projects and rewards them with certification.

For more information, go the the Junior Master Gardener web site http://jmgkids.us

In Tyler the first training for Jr. MG coordinators began in 1999 and the first group began in 2000 and later that year six young people were certified. Since then there have been active groups each year. Smith County Master Gardeners developed a table-top game which provided questions that could be answered by kids. This game was used at 4-H events, Ag-ucation and other educational events.

With input from many Smith County Master Gardeners, this concept was developed into an electronic game and refined it to provide players new games each time they play it. The questions and answers are based on the curriculum of the JMG program, designed for grades 3-5. To play, just click on any of the pictures on the game board and you're off on a gardening adventure. You can play the game as an individual or in teams. The game was awarded 2nd place at the Texas State MG Conference in April 2007. At that same conference the Texas Junior Master Gardeners named it County/Community Program of the Year!