Extension
It Starts With Us
Jr. Master Gardeners; Plant, Grow, Learn.
Family and Agricultural Economics
Benjamin Prewitt- Horticulture, Lisa Jones- 4H
Horticulture, Consumer and Home
Local Food Systems
In times of economic uncertainty, I believe the importance of being able to efficiently grow your own food is vital. Through Jr. Master Gardeners 4-H Club we will use the Plant, Grow, Learn curriculum to teach youth/parents about gardening. The Horticulture Advisory Council thought that this would be an awesome idea to offer here in our Appalachian community, where a large portion of folks fall well below the poverty line.
The Long-Term Outcome of Plant, Grow, Learn will be for clientele in our community to feel comfortable with planning their gardens, planting their crops, growing their plants, harvesting their fruits/vegetables as well as how to market these products when they have extra. By doing this we feel like clients will be able to overcome any hard times that our economy might face as well as provide them access to their own fresh, local produce. We also feel like there is potential for clients to be able to supplement their family incomes at local markets and from home.
- Seeing more people in the community garden
- Seeing more active farmers markets
- Seeing more Fresh/Local Produce Available in our community
- Getting youth involved with gardening
- familiarize youth with food industry and where food comes from
- using Certified Master Gardeners to lead 4-H clubs
- Learn to Plan a Garden
- Learn to Plant a Garden
- Learn to Grow a Garden
- Learn to Harvest a Garden
- Learn to Market Your Products
Initial Outcome: More Clients Growing a Garden
Indicator: More Gardens in the County
Method: Visual Inspections
Timeline: Feb/March 2024
Intermediate Outcome: Clients More Active at Farmers Markets
Indicator: More Vendors/ More Products
Method: Attending Farmers Markets
Timeline: May 2024
Long-term Outcome: Clients Supplementing Family Income
Indicator: Families Successfully Selling Produce at Markets and On Farm
Method: Visiting Markets and Family Farms/ Shopping Locally
Timeline: Spring 2024-2025
Audience: Community Members
Project or Activity: Plant, Grow, Learn Series
Content or Curriculum: Planning, Planting, Growing, Harvesting, and Marketing Curriculum
Inputs: Programs, Publications, Handouts, Market Visits
Date: September 2023-April 2024
Audience: 4-H Youth
Project or Activity: Jr. Master Gardener Club
Content or Curriculum: Plan, Grow, Learn
Inputs: Curriculum, Hands on Gardening, building raised beds, community service projects
Date: (starting) August 2023, (planting) April 2024
