Gardening Merit Badge

The Gardening merit badge teaches Scouts how to grow and care for plants. When you work on the Gardening merit badge, you learn how plants grow and what they need to stay healthy. You’ll see the difference between growing plants indoors and outdoors. You’ll also learn about the types of soil and fertilizers that help plants thrive.

This badge gives Scouts hands-on experience with planting, watering, and caring for different types of plants. You will understand how different seasons and weather can affect plant growth. By working on the Gardening merit badge, Scouts can also learn to plan a garden and understand how to protect plants from pests and diseases.

The Gardening merit badge encourages Scouts to think about where their food comes from and how plants support our environment. Growing your own plants can help you see how important it is to take care of natural resources. You may even learn how to grow vegetables, herbs, or flowers that you can use in your own home or share with others.

The Gardening merit badge also builds patience and responsibility. Taking care of plants requires daily attention and careful planning. Scouts develop focus as they care for plants over time. By completing the Gardening merit badge, Scouts gain skills that they can use for years and knowledge that could lead to a lifelong interest in gardening.

Download the Gardening Merit Badge Requirements

Gardening Merit Badge Workbook / Worksheet

Gardening Merit Badge Check Off Sheet

Checklist for All Merit Badges

Help with Answers for Gardening Merit Badge Requirements

Find specific helps for some of the Gardening merit badge requirements listed below. Some of these resources will just give the answers. Others will provide engaging ways for older Scouts to introduce these concepts to new Scouts.

• Requirement 1: Safety
• Requirement 2: Start Growing
• Requirement 3: Nutrition
• Requirement 4: Germination
• Requirement 5: Visit
• Requirement 6: Bees
• Requirement 7: Pests
• Requirement 8: Project
• More Resources

Staying Safe While Working on the Gardening Merit Badge

When working on the Gardening merit badge, it’s important to know about potential hazards in gardening and how to stay safe. Common hazards include cuts from tools, back strain, sunburn, dehydration, and exposure to chemicals like pesticides or fertilizers. Knowing how to avoid these risks can keep you safe and make your gardening experience more enjoyable.

First, using garden tools carefully is key. Tools like shovels, hoes, and pruners can cause cuts or blisters if handled carelessly. To prevent this, always use the right tool for the job and wear gloves to protect your hands. Make sure tools are in good condition, and store them safely when you’re done.

Another major risk in gardening is exposure to the sun. Sunburn and dehydration can happen quickly, especially in hot weather. To stay safe, wear sunscreen, a hat, and drink plenty of water. Try to take breaks in the shade, especially during the hottest part of the day.

Lastly, using fertilizers or pesticides requires caution. These chemicals can harm your skin or lungs if not handled properly. Read and follow instructions carefully, wear gloves, and avoid breathing in fumes. Understanding these common hazards and taking precautions can help you stay safe while earning the Gardening merit badge.

Staying Healthy and Safe for the Gardening Merit Badge

When you work on the Gardening merit badge, you’ll spend time outdoors and use tools, which can lead to different health concerns. Here’s how to prevent and treat some common issues that can come up while gardening.

• Cuts, Scratches, and Puncture Wounds: Use gloves and keep tools sharp and clean to avoid accidents. If you get a cut or scratch, clean it right away with soap and water, then apply a bandage. For deeper punctures, see a doctor since they can easily get infected.
• Insect Bites: Wear long sleeves and use insect repellent to prevent bites. If bitten, wash the area with soap and water. For itching or swelling, apply an anti-itch cream.
• Anaphylactic Shock: Some people have severe allergies to insect stings. Know if you or someone around you has this allergy and carry an epinephrine auto-injector if needed. Get medical help immediately if symptoms of anaphylaxis, like swelling or trouble breathing, appear.
• Heat Reactions: To prevent heat exhaustion or heatstroke, drink plenty of water, wear a hat, and take breaks in the shade. If you feel dizzy, tired, or start sweating heavily, cool down, drink water, and rest.
• Reactions from Pesticides and Fertilizers: Always follow instructions when using any chemicals, and wear gloves and a mask if recommended. If you get any on your skin, rinse it off immediately. If you have a skin or eye reaction, rinse thoroughly with water and seek medical attention if irritation continues.

These safety tips help you prevent health concerns and respond to them if they happen. Understanding these basics is a key part of working on the Gardening merit badge.

Growing Vegetables and Flowers for the Gardening Merit Badge

For the Gardening merit badge, you’ll grow six vegetables and six flowers—three from seeds and three from seedlings. This hands-on experience lets you see how plants grow from start to finish. Here are some tips to help you succeed in growing both vegetables and flowers.

Choose the Right Plants
Select vegetables and flowers that grow well in your climate and season. Easy vegetables for beginners include tomatoes, carrots, and lettuce. For flowers, marigolds, zinnias, and sunflowers are good choices. By picking plants that match your local conditions, you increase the chance they’ll grow strong and healthy.

Start with Seeds and Seedlings
When growing from seeds, prepare to water them daily and keep them in warm, sunny spots to encourage sprouting. Seedlings are already started, so they’re easier and faster to grow, but still need plenty of water and sunlight. Keep an eye on soil moisture and avoid overwatering.

Check on Growth Regularly
As you work on the Gardening merit badge, check your plants every day for signs of growth. Watch for leaves, stems, flowers, or any signs of pests. Remove weeds and watch for changes in color or texture, as these can show if the plant is lacking water or nutrients.

Harvest and Flowering
For vegetables, harvest time depends on the type of plant, but make sure to pick them when they’re ripe. Flowers will reach full bloom when they are bright and fully open. This is a rewarding step where you can see the results of your care and patience.

Growing plants from seeds and seedlings requires daily care and commitment. Through this experience, you’ll learn how to help plants thrive—a valuable part of earning the Gardening merit badge.

Understanding Nutrition for the Gardening Merit Badge

For the Gardening merit badge, knowing the nutritional value of different plants helps you understand how these foods benefit your body. Here’s an overview of the nutrition found in some common crops and tips on why it matters.

A reliable website to find detailed nutritional information is the USDA FoodData Central. This site, provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, contains up-to-date nutrition data on a wide variety of foods, including fruits, vegetables, and more. It’s a trusted source that gives accurate information on vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients.

• Potatoes: Potatoes are high in carbohydrates, providing energy, and contain vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. They are a good source of fuel for the body.
• Carrots: Carrots are rich in vitamin A, important for eye health, as well as fiber and antioxidants.
• Sweet Potatoes: High in fiber, vitamin A, and vitamin C, sweet potatoes are a nutrient-dense option that also contains potassium.
• Tomatoes: Tomatoes contain vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants like lycopene, which is linked to heart health.
• Broccoli: Broccoli is rich in fiber, vitamin C, and vitamin K, as well as protein and many essential minerals.
• Bell Peppers: Bell peppers provide vitamins A and C, and they are high in water content, which helps with hydration.
• Apples: Apples are a good source of fiber and vitamin C and are low in calories, making them a healthy snack.
• Strawberries: Strawberries contain vitamin C, manganese, and antioxidants, helping with immunity and skin health.
• Bananas: Bananas provide potassium, vitamin C, and vitamin B6, supporting energy levels and muscle function.

For the Gardening merit badge, FoodData Central can help you look up the nutritional content of plants you’re growing and understand how they contribute to a balanced diet.

Testing Seed Germination for the Gardening Merit Badge

For the Gardening merit badge, you’ll test 100 seeds to see how many sprout, or “germinate.” This experiment helps you understand seed quality and what plants need to start growing. Here’s how to do the test and what to look for.

How to Test Seed Germination

Take 100 seeds and place them in a damp paper towel. Fold the towel, put it in a plastic bag, and leave it in a warm place out of direct sunlight. Check the seeds every day and keep the towel moist. After a set number of days (often about a week, depending on the seed type), count how many seeds sprouted.

Calculating the Germination Percentage

To find the germination percentage, count how many seeds actually sprouted and divide that by the total number of seeds (100 in this case). For example, if 85 seeds sprouted, your germination rate is 85%.

Why Some Seeds Don’t Germinate

Not all seeds will sprout, and there are a few possible reasons why:

• Seed Age: Older seeds are less likely to germinate, as seeds lose their ability to sprout over time.
• Moisture Levels: Seeds need the right amount of water to germinate—too much or too little can cause seeds to fail.
• Temperature: Some seeds require specific temperatures to start growing, so if it’s too cold or too hot, they may not germinate.
• Seed Quality: Some seeds may have been damaged or weren’t fully developed, making them unable to grow.

Testing seed germination for the Gardening merit badge teaches you about the conditions seeds need to grow. It also shows why gardeners should check seed quality before planting.

Learning from Local Experts for the Gardening Merit Badge

For the Gardening merit badge, visiting a local agricultural resource can teach you a lot about plants, soil, and growing conditions in your area. You could visit a county extension office, a university with an agricultural program, a nursery, or a botanical garden. These places have experts who understand local plant needs and can give you valuable advice.

What You Can Learn on Your Visit

• Best Plants for Your Area: Many plants do well only in certain climates or soil types. The experts you visit can tell you which vegetables, flowers, and trees grow best in your area. They may also know the common challenges, like pests or weather, that gardeners in your region face.
• Soil and Water Needs: These experts can explain the types of soil in your area and how to improve it if needed. You may learn about composting, fertilizing, and watering practices that work best locally. Understanding your soil and water needs is essential when working on the Gardening merit badge.
• Plant Health and Pest Control: Staff at these locations often know about common plant diseases or pests and how to manage them. They may recommend natural pest control methods or plants that resist common diseases. Learning how to keep plants healthy is a big part of gardening.
• Care for Specific Plants: If you have questions about specific plants you want to grow, bring those up during your visit. Experts can share tips on how to care for those plants from seedling to maturity.

By visiting a place with plant and gardening experts, you’ll get helpful advice that can improve your success as you work toward your Gardening merit badge. This experience helps you learn more about growing plants, which you can apply in your own garden or when helping others with theirs.

The Importance of Honeybees for the Gardening Merit Badge

As you work on the Gardening merit badge, it’s important to understand how honeybees help pollinate food crops and why they are so important to our food supply. Pollination is when pollen moves from one flower to another, which allows plants to grow fruits, vegetables, and seeds. Honeybees are excellent pollinators because they visit many flowers to collect nectar, which they turn into honey. By doing this, they carry pollen from flower to flower, helping plants grow the foods we eat.

Why Honeybees Are Needed for Pollination

Farmers often use honeybees to pollinate large crops like almonds, apples, and blueberries. These crops rely on bees to produce food each season. Without honeybees, many of these foods would be hard to grow, and their supply would decrease. Honeybees can pollinate hundreds of crops quickly and efficiently, making them essential to large-scale farming.

Problems Facing Honeybee Populations

Honeybees are facing several major threats today, which could affect pollination and food production:

• Pesticides: Certain pesticides harm bees’ health, affecting their ability to find food, reproduce, and survive.
• Habitat Loss: As natural areas disappear, bees lose places to find food and shelter.
• Parasites and Disease: Bees are threatened by mites, viruses, and fungi that can destroy entire colonies.
• Climate Change: Changes in weather patterns can disrupt bees’ natural cycles, affecting when and where they can pollinate.

What Would Happen Without Pollinators

Without pollinators like honeybees, it would be much harder to produce many of the foods we enjoy. Fruits, nuts, and vegetables would become scarce and more expensive. Other pollinators, like butterflies and bats, help too, but honeybees do most of the work for food crops. A world without pollinators would mean a limited food supply and fewer plant species overall, which would impact our ecosystems and food choices.

Understanding the role of honeybees is a vital part of the Gardening merit badge because it highlights the connections between gardening, farming, and our environment. By learning about pollinators, Scouts can also think about ways to protect these essential species.

Managing Common Garden Pests for the Gardening Merit Badge

Garden pests can be a major challenge, harming plants by feeding on them, spreading disease, or damaging roots and leaves. For the Gardening merit badge, understanding how to identify and control these pests is essential to keeping your plants healthy. Below are descriptions of several common pests, why they are a problem, and solutions that include at least one organic method for each.

Aphids are tiny, soft-bodied insects that cluster on the stems and undersides of leaves, sucking sap from the plant. This weakens the plant, causing leaves to yellow and curl. An organic solution is to spray a mix of water and a few drops of dish soap on affected plants to remove the aphids. Alternatively, you can use insecticidal soap to treat infested areas.

Cabbage worms are green caterpillars that eat holes in cabbage, broccoli, and kale leaves, potentially ruining entire crops. These worms can be removed by hand, an effective organic method, or treated with a biological insecticide containing Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis), which specifically targets caterpillars.

Slugs and snails chew large holes in leaves, especially on tender plants, and leave slimy trails that can attract other pests. Crushed eggshells or diatomaceous earth can be sprinkled around plants as a natural deterrent, since slugs avoid sharp surfaces. Another option is to place a shallow dish of beer near plants; the scent attracts slugs, and they drown in the liquid.

Japanese beetles are shiny, green-bodied beetles that skeletonize leaves by eating the tissue between the veins, especially on roses and fruit trees. You can handpick the beetles in the morning and drop them in soapy water as an organic method. Neem oil is another effective solution, as it repels beetles and is safe for most plants.

Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that appears as a white, powdery coating on leaves, which can weaken the plant and reduce yield. To control this naturally, spray affected plants with a baking soda and water mixture. You can also remove infected leaves to improve airflow and reduce mildew spread.

Tomato hornworms are large green caterpillars that can quickly strip tomato plants of leaves, stems, and even fruit. Attracting beneficial insects like ladybugs or lacewings is a natural way to control hornworms, as these insects prey on them. Handpicking hornworms off plants is also effective, especially if you check for them regularly.

Squash bugs are brown or gray insects that feed on squash, pumpkins, and cucumbers by piercing the leaves and stems, which can cause plants to wilt and die. An organic method is to remove the squash bug eggs from the undersides of leaves by hand. Another option is to use row covers to keep adult squash bugs from reaching your plants.

Spider mites are tiny pests that spin fine webs and feed on plant leaves, leaving a speckled or dusty appearance. They thrive in dry conditions and can weaken or kill plants over time. Spray the leaves with water to dislodge mites, as they prefer dry environments. Insecticidal soap can also be effective, especially when applied to the undersides of leaves where mites gather.

Whiteflies are small, white insects that fly up in a cloud when disturbed. They feed on plant sap and can spread diseases, weakening plants. Yellow sticky traps placed near plants are an organic solution since whiteflies are attracted to yellow. You can also use insecticidal soap to spray directly on whiteflies to reduce their numbers.

Blight is a fungal disease that commonly affects tomatoes and potatoes, causing dark spots on leaves, stems, and fruit. This disease weakens plants and can reduce harvests significantly. Removing infected leaves as soon as you spot them is an effective organic method to prevent spread. Crop rotation is another helpful practice, reducing the chance of blight returning from soil year after year.

Understanding these pests and learning how to control them are essential parts of the Gardening merit badge. Using organic solutions, like handpicking pests or using natural sprays, can protect plants in a safe and environmentally-friendly way.

Turning Waste into Garden Gold for the Gardening Merit Badge

Building and maintaining a compost bin is a great way to recycle kitchen and garden waste while creating rich soil for plants. For the Gardening merit badge, you’ll need to build a compost bin and keep it active for 90 days. This project teaches you how composting works and how it can improve your garden.

How to Start a Compost Bin

To build a compost bin, you can use a container with holes for airflow or make a simple pile in your yard. Compost needs a mix of “green” and “brown” materials to work properly. Green materials, like vegetable scraps and grass clippings, add nitrogen. Brown materials, like dry leaves and shredded paper, add carbon. Balancing these helps create a compost that breaks down evenly.

Maintaining Your Compost Bin

For the Gardening merit badge, it’s important to keep your compost healthy by adding new materials regularly and turning it often. Turning the compost every 1-2 weeks helps it break down faster by giving it more oxygen. Also, keep it moist—about the dampness of a wrung-out sponge. If the compost is too wet, add more dry materials. If it’s too dry, sprinkle a bit of water.

Why Composting Matters

Composting turns waste into a valuable resource for your garden. The compost you create can be added to soil, giving plants the nutrients they need to grow strong and healthy. By composting, you reduce waste in landfills and produce a natural fertilizer. Earning the Gardening merit badge with a composting project gives you skills that help both your garden and the environment.

Using Worms to Make Compost for the Gardening Merit Badge

Creating a vermipost bin, or worm compost bin, is a great way to turn kitchen scraps into nutrient-rich soil with the help of worms. For the Gardening merit badge, you’ll set up a worm compost bin and care for it for 90 days. Vermiposting is an effective and eco-friendly method of composting that uses worms to break down organic material faster than traditional composting.

Setting Up Your Vermipost Bin

To build a vermipost bin, start with a plastic container with holes for air circulation and drainage. Line the bottom with damp bedding, such as shredded newspaper or cardboard, which provides a comfortable base for the worms. Red wigglers are the best type of worm for composting since they thrive in shallow, contained spaces and break down food quickly. Add a handful of worms to the bin along with small amounts of fruit and vegetable scraps to get started.

Maintaining Your Worm Bin

For the Gardening merit badge, you’ll need to maintain the bin by feeding the worms and keeping the bedding damp but not soaked. Feed them small scraps every few days, avoiding meat, dairy, or oily foods, which can harm the worms. Check the moisture level regularly—if it’s too dry, sprinkle water; if it’s too wet, add dry bedding. Every 1-2 weeks, gently stir the contents to prevent any bad odors.

Benefits of Vermiposting

Vermiposting provides “worm castings,” a nutrient-rich compost that is great for plants. Worms break down food quickly, producing compost faster than traditional methods. This project for the Gardening merit badge not only reduces food waste but also creates high-quality compost you can use in your garden. Worm composting teaches you how even small creatures play a role in creating healthy soil and supporting plant growth.

Growing Plants Without Soil for the Gardening Merit Badge

A hydroponic garden is a unique way to grow plants using only water and nutrients, without soil. For the Gardening merit badge, you’ll create a hydroponic garden and maintain it for 90 days or until your plants reach harvest or bloom. This project shows you a different way to grow plants, giving you insight into how plants absorb nutrients directly from water.

Setting Up Your Hydroponic Garden

To start your hydroponic garden, you’ll need a container to hold water, a nutrient solution, and a way to support the plants, like net cups or foam inserts. Common plants for hydroponic systems include herbs like basil, mint, or cilantro, vegetables like lettuce or spinach, or ornamental plants like ferns. After choosing your plants, fill the container with water and add a nutrient solution to feed them. Set up a light source or place the garden in a sunny area to help your plants grow.

Caring for Your Hydroponic Garden

For the Gardening merit badge, it’s important to monitor your hydroponic garden regularly. Check the water level every few days to make sure your plants have enough. You’ll also need to maintain the nutrient levels, as plants quickly absorb nutrients from water. Keep the garden clean to prevent algae or mold growth. Hydroponic plants grow faster than in soil, so watch for signs of growth and adjust the light or water as needed.

Benefits of Hydroponic Gardening

Hydroponic gardening uses less water than traditional soil gardening and allows plants to grow quickly with a smaller footprint. It’s a great way to grow fresh vegetables, herbs, or decorative plants indoors year-round. Working on a hydroponic system for the Gardening merit badge teaches you about plant nutrition, water management, and innovative ways to grow plants in small spaces.

Creating a Water Garden for the Gardening Merit Badge

A water garden is a beautiful way to grow plants in water instead of soil, and it adds a unique touch to any garden space. For the Gardening merit badge, you’ll build and maintain a water garden for 90 days. This can be a small, decorative pond in the ground or a container water garden. Water gardens are a fun project that show how plants can thrive in water-based environments.

Setting Up Your Water Garden

To start, decide if you want to use a container or create a small pond. A container water garden should be at least 12 by 6 inches and 6 inches deep, while a pond can be up to 6 by 3 feet and 24 inches deep. Fill the container or pond with fresh water and choose water plants like water lilies, floating plants like duckweed, or oxygenating plants like anacharis. These plants will filter the water naturally and keep it clean.

Caring for Your Water Garden

Maintaining a water garden requires regular checks to keep it healthy. For the Gardening merit badge, you’ll need to monitor water levels and add fresh water as it evaporates. Remove any dead leaves and clean out algae to prevent buildup. If you choose to add fish, they will help keep the water clear, but be sure not to overfeed them, as extra food can cause water quality issues.

Benefits of Water Gardening

Water gardens add a peaceful and attractive feature to your garden space, and they support unique plant life that grows in water. Water plants provide natural filtration, helping maintain water clarity and creating a balanced environment. By building a water garden for the Gardening merit badge, you’ll learn about aquatic plants, water management, and how water gardens can bring life and beauty to any outdoor space.

Harvesting Honey for the Gardening Merit Badge

Preparing and removing a honey super from a hive is an interesting way to learn about beekeeping and honey production. For the Gardening merit badge, you’ll set up a honey super, monitor its progress as bees fill it with honey, and then harvest the honey. This process gives you hands-on experience with the important role bees play in food production and pollination.

Preparing the Honey Super

A honey super is a box added to the top of a beehive where bees store extra honey. To prepare it, start by adding frames inside the super. These frames have a wax foundation that gives the bees a place to build honeycomb. After placing the super on top of the hive, the bees will begin filling the frames with honey over time.

Removing and Processing the Honey

Once the honey super is full, it’s time to carefully remove it from the hive. Beekeepers use special tools to safely remove the bees from the super, often using a bee brush or a gentle escape board to avoid harming the bees. Once you’ve removed the filled super, you can take the frames out and use an extractor, which spins the honey out of the comb. Afterward, the honey is filtered to remove any wax or impurities, making it ready for bottling and sale.

Benefits of Honey Super Management

Learning to prepare and harvest honey for the Gardening merit badge teaches you about the life cycle of bees and how they produce honey. Honey is a valuable product that supports many local gardens and ecosystems. By completing this requirement, you gain practical knowledge about beekeeping and the essential role that honeybees play in both gardening and agriculture.

Plant a Pizza Garden

A pizza garden is a fun way to get kids excited about gardening, healthy eating, and working on the Gardening merit badge. They can plant easy-to-grow ingredients like Roma tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, and spinach—all of which make great pizza toppings. Basil and oregano, typical pizza herbs, also grow well from seed and add fresh flavor to homemade pizza. For a challenge, broccoli can be included too. Tending these plants gives kids a chance to see how food grows and might encourage them to try new flavors. Harvesting their own toppings makes pizza-making more rewarding and fun!

What will I learn by earning the Gardening merit badge?

The Gardening merit badge teaches you how plants grow, how to care for them, and how to plan a garden. You’ll learn about planting seeds, watering, soil needs, and how to handle pests and diseases. The badge also helps you understand how gardening can provide healthy food and improve the environment.

Do I need to have a garden to work on the Gardening merit badge?

No, you don’t need a full garden. You can use a small area in your yard, containers on a patio, or even pots indoors. The main goal is to grow plants and learn how to care for them. You can choose a space that works for you.

What types of plants will I need to grow for the Gardening merit badge?

For the Gardening merit badge, you’ll need to grow six vegetables (three from seeds and three from seedlings) and six flowers (three from seeds and three from seedlings). You’ll care for these plants through the growing season, from planting until harvest or flowering.

How do I test seeds for germination for the Gardening merit badge?

To test seed germination, place 100 seeds on a damp paper towel, fold it, and put it in a plastic bag. Keep it in a warm area and check it daily to keep it moist. After a week or so, count how many seeds have sprouted. This shows you the germination rate, which is how many seeds are likely to grow into healthy plants.

Why do I need to learn about garden pests for the Gardening merit badge?

Understanding pests is important because they can damage or destroy plants. Learning to identify and control pests helps keep your garden healthy. You’ll explore both organic and other methods for managing pests, which is useful for any type of gardening.

What is the purpose of visiting a garden expert for the Gardening merit badge?

Visiting a garden expert, like a county extension agent or nursery worker, helps you learn from someone with experience. They can explain local plant needs, common pests, and soil conditions. This visit gives you practical knowledge to help with your gardening.

How does pollination relate to the Gardening merit badge?

Pollination is important because it helps plants produce fruit, vegetables, and seeds. For the Gardening merit badge, you’ll learn about how pollinators like honeybees help plants grow and why pollination matters for food production.

What safety tips do I need to know for the Gardening merit badge?

Gardening has some risks, like cuts from tools, insect bites, sunburn, and dehydration. To stay safe, wear gloves, use sunscreen, drink water, and handle tools carefully. Knowing these tips helps you stay healthy while working in the garden.

How long does it take to earn the Gardening merit badge?

The time varies based on the plants you choose, since they will grow at different rates. Some plants take only a few weeks to flower or harvest, while others may take months. Start early and plan for several weeks to complete all the growing and care steps.

The Gardening merit badge introduces Scouts to the world of plants, soil, and growing food. By working on this badge, Scouts learn about the basic needs of plants, including sunlight, water, and nutrients. They discover how different plants grow from seeds and seedlings, and they gain hands-on experience by tending to their own garden. Scouts will choose vegetables and flowers to grow, learning the patience and care required to take plants from seed to harvest or full bloom.

Earning the Gardening merit badge also teaches important environmental skills. Scouts learn how to test seed germination, observe plant growth, and protect gardens from pests. They explore natural pest control methods, such as using beneficial insects or organic sprays. Through this, Scouts gain an understanding of eco-friendly gardening and how to keep plants healthy in safe ways. Visiting a garden expert is another part of the badge, where Scouts can gain local advice on what plants grow best in their area.

Scouts also study pollination, focusing on the important role honeybees and other pollinators play in producing food. This helps them see the connections between gardening, food production, and the environment. The Gardening merit badge shows Scouts how gardening can provide healthy food, beautify spaces, and support local ecosystems. It’s a fun way to build skills they can use for a lifetime.