Courtesy Jupiterimages/Bananastock/ Thinkstock Burpee’s “I Can Grow” program supports school and community gardens.

Burpee Home Gardens is now accepting applications for the 2012 “I Can Grow” Youth Garden Award. In its third year, the “I Can Grow” program supports school and community gardens in cities across the United States, jump-starting children’s interest in farming and gardening. To date, the “I Can Grow” program has provided more than 8,000 vegetable and herb plants to help create 16 gardens nationwide.

The 2012 “I Can Grow” Youth Garden Award will be presented to established or start-up school and community gardens that demonstrate well-developed and -staffed plans for a youth-centered educational program that emphasizes nutrition, food production, environmental awareness, social responsibility and scholastic integration.

“Our ‘I Can Grow’ program is literally planting seeds of inspiration for the next generation of gardeners,” says George Ball, chairman and CEO of W. Atlee Burpee & Co. 

Two grand-prize winners will be awarded up to 500 vegetable and herb plants, including the Burpee BOOST collection, and $2,500 in garden supplies. They also will receive on-site assistance for initial garden layout and installation from the experts at Burpee Home Gardens, 5 gallons of Daniels Plant Food, one hose-end sprayer and a Flip Video camera to document the garden’s progress throughout the year. In addition, three runners-up will receive 500 vegetable and herb plants, including the Burpee BOOST collection, 5 gallons of Daniels Plant Food, one hose-end sprayer and a Flip Video camera.

Educators and community-garden leaders can visit the Burpee Home Gardens website to download the application and review eligibility requirements. All entries must be postmarked by Friday, Dec. 23, 2011. Winners will be announced no later than the week of Feb. 6, 2012.