Mason County CES

Title:

Horticulture

MAP:

Agriculture and Environment

Agents Involved:

Macy Fawns, Trever Cole

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Local Food Systems

MAJOR PROGRAM 2:

Horticulture, Consumer and Home

MAJOR PROGRAM 3:

Master Gardener

MAJOR PROGRAM 4:

Horticulture, Commercial

Situation:

The 2018 National Gardening Survey found 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 ornamental plants remains high, particularly in the area of gardening to support pollinators and other ecological uses of plants. American gardeners will continue to look to Cooperative Extension for specific answers to their gardening questions. The Extension Master Gardener Program equips trained and certified volunteers to assist Extension staff in delivering research-based gardening information to the public. According to the 2017 USDA Agriculture Census, the number of farms and acres for commercial horticulture continues to grow. Consumer preference for affordable, local fresh food can be measured by the 160 farmers markets in 110 counties with over 2,700 vendors. In addition, growers are marketing through community supported agriculture, produce auctions, and direct marketing to restaurants, schools, and institutions.

Long-Term Outcomes:

• Increase in number of Master Gardener volunteers. 
• Increase in income for commercial farmers.   
• Increase in accessing growing fresh food. 
• Reduction of plant loss in landscaping. 
• Increase in number of diverse plant varieties.  
• Youth will be agriculturally literate. 
• Youth will make informed decisions regarding agricultural products and services. 
• Youth will be advocates for agriculture and sustainable fiber and food production.

Intermediate Outcomes:

• Participants will change their practices to improve sustainability. 
• Participants will change their practices to improve disease control. 
• Participants will use Extension diagnostic services.
• Participants will be active in gardening.  
• Participants will add native plants to landscaping. 
• Participants will earn certifications to distribute or sell raw foods 
• Participants will provide classes for farmers market 
• Youth will explain the role of agriculture in daily life. 
• Youth will utilize and practice life-skills in 4-H agricultural projects and clubs, and life situations.

Initial Outcomes:

• Participants will learn how to make wreaths or centerpieces 
• Participants will increase knowledge about gardening and commercial horticulture
• Participants will increase their number of soil tests 
• Participants will be able to discuss pollinator protection  
• Participants will be able to locate Extension horticulture resources 
• Participants will observe horticulture and food preparation demonstrations 
• Participants will be able to recognize required food safety practices 
• Youth will gain knowledge and skills in the production of food and fiber in the areas of animal and food science, and plant and soil science. 
• Youth will gain an understanding of sustainable agricultural systems. 
• Youth will develop valuable life-skills, including decision-making, critical thinking, communications, record-keeping, wise use of resources, and leadership. 

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: Participants will be able to recognize required food safety practices 

Indicator(s): Number of producers who were successfully trained by Extension on food safety (GAP or FSMA)

Method: Observation & Surveys 

Timeline: Spring

Intermediate Outcome: Participants will change their practices to improve sustainability. 

Indicator(s): Number of those indicating an increased awareness of sustainable agriculture practices

Method: Observation and Interviews

Timeline: Spring & Fall

Long-term Outcome: Increase in number of Master Gardener volunteers. 

Indicator(s): Number of master gardeners that have completed certification and were active volunteers in the county during the past year

Method: Observation & surveys 

Timeline: 2025

Initial Outcome: Youth will gain an understanding of sustainable agricultural systems. 

Indicator(s): Number of youth who indicated they are interested in learning more about plant science (Common Measures – SC 2)

Method:  Pre & Post Evaluation

Timeline: spring & fall

Intermediate Outcome: Youth will utilize and practice life-skills in 4-H agricultural projects and clubs, and life situations. 

Indicator(s): Number of youth who demonstrated a skill that was learned or improved by participating in 4-H natural resource programming

Method:  Pre & Post Evaluation

Timeline: Spring & fall

Long-Term Outcome: Youth will make informed decisions regarding agricultural products and services. 

Indicator(s): Number of youth who have gained an understanding of ecosystems in Kentucky

Method:  Pre & Post Evaluation

Timeline: 2025

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Youth 

Project or Activity: Junior Master Gardener Program 

Content or Curriculum: Junior Master Gardener curriculum, 4-H Gardening Levels A, B, C, D, and Helper’s Guide 

Inputs: 4-H Agent, Horticulture Agent, Cummins Nature Preserve, Master Gardeners 

Date: Late spring 

Audience: Adults 

Project or Activity: Master Gardener program

Content or Curriculum: Master Gardener curriculum

Inputs: Horticulture Agent, UK specialists, field trips

Date: 2025

Audience: Adults 

Project or Activity: Apple production 

Content or Curriculum: Field day 

Inputs: Horticulture Agent and UK specialists 

Date: 2025

Audience: Adults 

Project or Activity: Wreath and Centerpiece Classes 

Content or Curriculum: Workshop 

Inputs: Horticulture Agent, supplies, volunteers

Date: December 

Success Stories