For Kids By Kids Garden Chat

Kendall Rae Johnson is 6 years old. Although Kendall Rae doesn’t quite remember her great-grand, she remembers hearing her saying, "Don't throw my collard green stems away, put them back in the dirt." That’s when it all started.

Today, she is the youngest certified farmer in the State of Georgia with a business formation with the state and federal government, she has even obtained her farm and tract ID. Kendall Rae’s love of farming has empowered her to become an advocate and spokesperson for little people across the state of Georgia and beyond.

At the age of 7, Te'Lario Watkins II founded Tiger Mushroom Farms after a Cub Scout Project ended. Te'Lario began selling his mushrooms at local farmers' markets and received attention from several local media outlets. 

Since becoming involved with the local food scene, Te'Lario learned about the issues of hunger and food insecurity. Te'Lario started a garden in his yard and donates the produce to local food banks. He is also a Hunger Hero with No Kid Hungry and hosts a Friendsgiving every year to raise money and awareness about ending hunger. Te'Lario was recently recognized as a 20 Under 20 Youth Leader by the Mayor of Columbus, Ohio.

Emma Biggs is a 16-year-old gardener & garden communicator.

Her passion is growing tomatoes, trying new, unusual crops, and saving seeds. She raised over 80 tomato varieties in her Toronto garden in 2021 and loves to try weird and wonderful plant projects. Emma speaks at libraries, seed exchanges, garden clubs, and garden events. She is the co-host of The Food Garden Life Show and her latest book is Gardening with Emma.