Bullitt County CES

Title:

Home & Consumer Horticulture

MAP:

Home & Consumer Horticulture/Master Gardener

Agents Involved:

Lorilee George

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Home & Consumer Horticulture

MAJOR PROGRAM 2:

Urban Environments (water issues)

MAJOR PROGRAM 3:

Pesticide Safety – Plant Pests

MAJOR PROGRAM 4:

Commercial Horticulture

Situation:

Bullitt County is a rapidly urbanizing county with diminishing traditional agriculture. As we move away from tobacco dependence, producers need alternative income/projects. Close to I65 and major urban areas (Louisville, Nashville, Indianapolis), Bullitt County is well situated to take advantage of tourism opportunities. This continual rapid increase in the suburban population in Bullitt County is resulting in a steady decrease in the agricultural utilization of its land. As a result, education and information in the fields of home horticulture and urban gardening is severely lacking in suburban areas. This program will serve to provide home owners with a good resource for improvements in gardening functionality and productivity. It will also provide information on gardening as a healthy leisure time exercise, especially for individuals 55 years and older that may have physical and psychological considerations.

Long-Term Outcomes:

Assist in developing sustainable & thriving Ag Businesses.

Increased wine sales at local wineries.

Home owners will use practical gardening and maintenance tips by learning a more efficient way to maintain and improve their properties, home owners will save time, money and resources.

Intermediate Outcomes:

Increase business for local Ag businesses.

Provide additional income for producers and provide pollinators.

Participants will purchase wines based on knowledge gained.

Participants will start soil testing before planting/fertilization

Participants will construct more efficient and functional landscapes.

Participation in gardening for those with physical limitations

Participants reduce stress through gardening

Increase social activities for participants through gardening and Extension.

Initial Outcomes:

Increase the number of producers that are aware of opportunities in Ag Tourism.

Increase producers' knowledge of beekeeping.

Increase knowledge of good agricultural practices.

Increase awareness of Ag Tourism both inside & outside of Bullitt County

Increase awareness of heritage of farming in the county

Participants gain knowledge of the importance of soil testing.

Participants will improve their current skills and gain knowledge in many aspects of home horticulture.

Participants will continue to enjoy gardening after physical limitations prevent traditional gardening methods.

Participants reduce stress through gardening

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: Increase knowledge and appreciation of agri-tourism by participants

Indicator: Survey of participants

Method: Oral

Timeline: December

Intermediate Outcome: Participants gain knowledge of how to plant more functional and efficient landscapes and gardens

Indicator: Pre/post survey

Method: Written

Timeline: Monthly

Initial Outcome: Participants gain knowledge about identifying insects

Indicator: Pre/Post Test

Method: Written

Timeline: Monthly

Initial Outcome: Participants gain knowledge about proper soil testing and fertilization

Indicator: Pre/Post Test

Method: Written

Timeline: October

Intermediate Outcome: Participants follow through with soil test and amend soil properly

Indicator: Soil test submission and follow up phone call

Method: Written and oral

Timeline: Spring 2016

Long Term Outcome: Participants continues to monitor soil health and use integrated methods to improve soil health

Indicator: Repeated soil testing and follow up

Method: Written and oral

Timeline: On Going

Intermediate Outcome: Participants will be able to select tree varieties for home plantings. They will gain better fruit tree management skills.

Indicator: Tree plantings and health of est. trees

Method: Observed and verbal

Timeline: Yearly

Long Term Outcome: Participants adopt skills to improve their lives.

Indicator: Data received from participants and leaders

Method: Written evaluations and leader feedback

Timeline: July-June

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: General Public

Project or Activity: Wine Tasting

Content: Materials prepared by master winemakers

Inputs: Local business owners

Date: December (LG)

Audience: Bullitt County Detention Center Substance Abuse Program Inmates

Activity: Gardening Skills Class and Jail Garden Program

Content or Curriculum: U of K pubs

Inputs: Ag & Hort. expertise, Master Gardeners, KY Dept. of Forestry Publications, U of K Publications

Date: Twice Monthly (LG)

Audience: General Public

Activity: Gardening Season/Homeowners' Toolbox Series

Content: Ball Horticultural publications, U of K pubs

Inputs: Various plants and demonstrative materials

Date: Jan, Mar, May, August, October (LG)

Audience: Producers, Homeowners

Activity: Fruit Production Series

Content or Curriculum: U of K pubs, local expert

Inputs: U of K Publications, grafting equipment, rootstock

Date: Feb, Mar, April, June, Sep, Oct (LG)

Audience: Homeowners

Activity: Biodiversity Series

Content or Curriculum: U of K pubs

Inputs: KY Dept. of Forestry Publications

Date: Mar, May, July, Sept(LG)

Success Stories