Grow your own sun

Show off your green thumb this September

Sign up now for the Saratoga Friends of the Library’s (FOL) inaugural Sunflower Growing Competition. Created in collaboration with the Friends’ Free Seed Library and the Saratoga Branch Library, this program aims to get kids and adults outside to care for their sunflowers and inside the library to participate in the programs that Sue, Saratoga Library’s Branch Manager, has planned. 

Packets of sunflower seeds and a handout, including the registration form, were provided to every student at Saratoga Elementary School, prior to the end of school. Seed packets and forms are also available at the Seed Library, inside the Saratoga Library.

Judging will take place in three categories: tallest sunflower, stem with the most blooms and largest seed head. Age groups are: under 13, 13-18 and adult. The competition is open to everyone. Saratoga FOL will purchase Chamber Bucks for winners in each category and age group, to be spent at any participating business. 

The sunflowers entered in the competition must be grown in the Platte Valley. If participants do not wish to use the seeds provided, they may use any type of sunflower seed. Entries must be from live plants and there is a limit of one entry per person, per category. Judging will take place at the Farmer’s Market between 3-5 p.m. on September 14, 2021. Participants must consent to having their photograph taken for publicity. Those who cannot attend the live judging, should have their photo entry emailed to [email protected] by 5 p.m. on September 13, 2021. Photos must clearly show measurements or number of blooms. Judges’ decisions are final.

Additional information can be found on the Saratoga FOL’s Facebook page or Instagram at #saratogasunflowers. Show off your progress by tagging photos of your sunflowers throughout the growing process. This summer, get your hands dirty, join in the fun at the library and win a prize for your efforts. Sign up today!