WEST CHICAGO, Ill. -- Burpee Home Gardens is extending its "I Can Grow" campaign by launching youth garden awards.

The 2011 "I Can Grow" Youth Garden Awards will sponsor and support urban school and community gardens in cities across the United States. The awards will be presented to established or start-up programs that demonstrate well-developed and staffed plans for a youth-centered educational program emphasizing nutrition and food production, environmental awareness, social responsibility and scholastic integration.

"We are pleased to continue our support of new and younger gardeners in 2011 through the 'I Can Grow' program," said Jessie Atchison, brand manager for Burpee Home Gardens. "The launch of the nationwide award program will increase our ability to educate and inspire our target consumer audience, and build further awareness and demand for the Burpee Home Gardens brand."

Selected applicants will be awarded:

- Up to 500 vegetable and herb plants from Burpee Home Gardens lineup of plants - $2,500 in garden supplies and on-site assistance for initial garden layout and installation from Burpee experts - Five gallons of Daniels Plant Food and one hose-end sprayer - A Flip camera to document the garden's progress

Applications can be found at Burpee Home Gardens' website. The deadline to apply is December 3.