Kids Garden Contest 2026

Dave here:

There’s something special growing in Jericho this spring — and it’s more than vegetables. We’re excited to celebrate the fifth year with 10 inspiring young winners of the 2026 Transition Town Jericho Garden Contest! These enthusiastic gardeners, ages 6 to 12, are planting the seeds of sustainability, creativity, and community spirit right in their own backyards.  over the past 5 years, Transition Town team has delivered over 50 gardens to youth in Jericho and nearby towns.  Transition Town Jericho thanks those who have supported this program over the past 5 years, and looks to more gardens to more kids in the future!

Thanks to generous support from the Town of Jericho, along with the hard work and dedication of Jeff Coulson, Curt Belton, Dan Manz, and Brad Vietje, this year’s project blossomed into another unforgettable success. From building raised beds and hauling soil to delivering supplies across town, this community effort brought hands-on learning, excitement, and plenty of smiles to local families.

One of the best parts of the project was seeing the children greet their new 4x6 raised garden beds with pure excitement. Some sprinted outside with big grins and endless questions, while others carefully explained their garden plans like seasoned farmers. They proudly showed off sunny corners of their yards, hillside garden spots with mountain views, and creative plans for watering, weeding, and protecting their crops from hungry rabbits and wandering wildlife.

This year’s gardens are bursting with imagination. The young growers plan to cultivate everything from Vermont favorites like tomatoes, peas, carrots, beans, and pumpkins to towering sunflowers, sweet corn, colorful flowers, herbs, and pollinator-friendly plants designed to attract butterflies and bees.

Beyond the harvest itself, these gardens are teaching valuable lessons about patience, responsibility, adaptability, and the rewards of hard work. Every seed planted is a step toward a healthier, more connected, and resilient community.

We invite you to meet the garden builders and this year’s winners and explore their wonderful garden drawings below. 

Here’s to a summer filled with sunshine, discovery, fresh vegetables, muddy hands, and growing dreams in Jericho!