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Kakabeka Falls,On. Canada.

We are trying to figure out the appropriate age for our youth prize category.
What do other weigh-off sites do? We are trying to instill honestly and fairness at our weigh-off.
Having a parent put a pumpkin in its child's name when the child cannot possible grow or no how to care for a plant does not sit well with me!

6/24/2014 11:49:34 AM

Muddy Waters

Well kids are all emotionally & intellect are at different levels at different ages.I would explain in your rules that this is for children who are genuinely interested in growing enough to get involved hands on.My Jackson Reed is 2 years old & will pull weeds with you and is very interested in gardening.If his interest continues?Maybe by age 5 or 6 he could have his own plant with say a 50/50 participation from me.But for now he is too young.I think most people will be honest if you spell it out in your rules.You could also reserve the right to forfeit the prize if you feel the grower was the adult.Just my opinon I would say age 5 thru 17 with a 50/50 help from an adult.We need to teach our youth to be responsible.

6/24/2014 12:33:03 PM

Central Minnesota

My son started on his own at 12 but helped me before that-he is now 15. I guess the age isn't really that big of deal but more how you define how much help a parent can give. My son still does all his own work, I just don't let him spray pesticide or fungicide. We go by the rule that if he doesn't take care of his plants I have the right to pull them. The important thing is to get young people involved and encourage them to grow. But, you need to define how much help a parent can give for sure.

6/24/2014 2:20:25 PM

Hinckley MN

pine wood derby's have all the same issues. who really built the car? If it is a childrens competition I would say under 18 for age. Parental assistance will always have to be on the honor system.

6/24/2014 5:30:09 PM

Home of happy lil plants

5 Thru 17 sounds about right

6/24/2014 7:12:21 PM

Wi

I agree with Scott. My son 9 does all his own vine burying, picks the seeds he will grow and starts them he is also the one who tilled the patch the last 2 years. We have the same rule if he doesn't take care of them the plants are mine. He was out in the patch after his baseball game until 9pm with me tonight, And his work is paying off. He is beating me. I also feel the DAD should run the sprayer. After all the respirator only fits me.

6/25/2014 11:26:53 PM

Kakabeka Falls,On. Canada.

Thanks for all your replies, it defiantly a tough one! We want to make sure we keep it fair.

6/26/2014 9:29:11 AM