Carter County CES

Title:

Horticulture

MAP:

Horticulture

Agents Involved:

Rebecca Konopka

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Horticulture, Consumer and Home

MAJOR PROGRAM 2:

Local Food Systems

MAJOR PROGRAM 3:

Horticulture, Commercial

MAJOR PROGRAM 4:

Small Farm Diversification

Situation:

In 2018 the National Gardening Survey indicated that 77% of American households garden in some way. Other estimates reveal that consumer horticulture and supporting industries contribute nearly $200 billion to the US economy each year and support over 2 million jobs. Recent trends indicate that more and more Americans are growing their own food (35% of households) while interests in ornamentals remains high, particularly in gardening to support pollinators and other ecological uses of plants. American gardens will continue to look to Cooperative Extension for specific answers to their gardening questions.

Source: UK Horticulture Home & Consumer Logic Model 

Long-Term Outcomes:

Homeowners & Farmer's Market vendors will: 

Increase access and variety of fresh local produce

Reduce plant loss in landscaping

Minimize environmental impact by following recommended use of pesticides, herbicides, and/or fertilizers

Added value or reduced expenses with landscaping

Improve physical, social and/or mental health

Intermediate Outcomes:

Homeowners & Farmer's Market vendors will:

Use Extension diagnostic services

Be active in gardening

Diversify plant varieties

Add native plants to landscaping

Use Integrated Pest Management practices

Adopt best practices in water quality and/or soil health

Handle chemicals safely

Initial Outcomes:

Homeowners & Farmer's Market vendors will:

Increase their knowledge of horticulture and best practices in soil health, water conservation, and chemical use

Recognize the value of diagnostic testing

Match plants to appropriate planting location

Understand the value of native plants

Discuss pollinator protection

Locate Extension horticulture resources

Observe horticulture and food preparation demonstrations

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome:  Clientele will learn basic gardening techniques

Indicator:  Produce grown

Method: Social media, Phone calls, News Articles, Meetings, Farm & Office Visits, Online Webinars, Grab & Go Bags  

Timeline:  Ongoing

Intermediate Outcome:  Clientele use diagnostic services

Indicator: Soil Tests, Plant Samples

Method:  Social media, Phone calls, News Articles, Meetings, Farm & Office Visits

Timeline:  Ongoing

Long-term Outcome:  More producers participate in Farmer's Market

Indicator:  Increase in vendors

Method: Farmer's Market Meetings & Trainings; Marketing & Promotional Materials; Social Media 

Timeline:  March - October 

Learning Opportunities:

Audience:  Farmer's Market Vendors

Project or Activity:  Meetings, Online Webinars, Newsletters 

Content or Curriculum:  UK Plant Pathology & Horticulture Publications; Exclusives 

Inputs:  KDA, UK Specialists & Agents 

Date:  March-October

Audience:  Landowners

Project or Activity:  Newsletters, Newspaper Articles, Farm Visits, Social Media, Field Days, Meetings, Online Webinars 

Content or Curriculum:  UK Plant Pathology & Horticulture Publications

Inputs: UK Specialists, Agents

Date:  March - November 

Audience: Landowners

Project or Activity: Rootstock & Berry Plant Sales

Content or Curriculum: UK Publications

Inputs: UK Specialists, Agents

Date: January - April