Willie and the Salad Bonanza Contest

Updated 2025

Willie and the Salad Bonanza is a contest open to elementary, middle, and high school teams, along with other K-12 community organizations such as 4-H, Scouts, FFA, or other teams, interested in the scientific principles surrounding plant growth.

The challenge is to grow the largest amount of three designated and provided varieties of leafy greens in a communal container using no more than five-gallons of growing medium over a roughly 45-day time span, documenting this effort.

The contest will have four divisions, K-5, 6-8, and 9-12 grades, as well as Mixed Age. This year’s program will run from Wednesday, September 12 through the end of October, varies by age group. Seeds and a limited number of hydroponic setups are available for dispersal from the Extension office while soil and other containers are the responsibility of participants. Extension support will be available to participating groups throughout the 45 days. Deadline for registration is September 5th.

Elementary School Rules

Middle and High School Rules

Registration link

Please email Horticulture - Small Farms agent Anthony Reardon with inquiries. Happy growing!

Read More: "Planting a Seed" with Willie and the Salad Bonanza