Burpee opens school garden contest

Burpee Home Gardens is now accepting applications for the 2011 "I Can Grow" Youth Garden Award, created to sponsor and support urban school and community gardens in cities across the country.

The 2011 Youth Garden Awards will be presented to established or start-up programs that demonstrate well-developed and staffed plans for a youth-centered educational program, with an emphasis on nutrition and food production, environmental awareness, social responsibility and scholastic integration. The winners will be awarded up to 500 vegetable and herb plants and $2,500 in garden supplies. They also will receive on-site assistance for initial garden layout and installation from Burpee Home Gardens experts, five gallons of Daniels Plant Food sustainable fertilizer, a hose-end sprayer and a Flip camera to document the garden's progress throughout the year.

Educators can visit www.burpeehomegardens.com to download the application and read eligibility requirements. All entries must be postmarked by Dec. 3.