Extension
It Starts With Us
Community and Consumer Horticulture
Promoting Agricultural Sustainability
Kevin Lyons
Home & Consumer Horticulture
Local Food Systems
Master Gardener
Sustainable Agriculture
Situation: Even though Monroe County is basically a rural county, most of the residents do not live on a farm that provides a major part of the family’s income. There is renewed interest in producing our food locally. There is an interest in providing the Master Gardener program again in Monroe County. Since most residents don’t live on farms, the art of gardening has been lost by many. With one year completed of community gardens, there is great interest in expanding Monroe County’s Community Gardens; both in size and new locations.
Long-term Outcomes:
? Families will become more sustainable by producing much of their own food
? The community gardens will continue to grow and expand
? Master Gardener participants will complete their volunteer hours improving the appearance of towns and the county
? Master Gardener participants become resources for local citizens to use for horticultural advice.
Intermediate Outcomes:
? Expand community gardens
? Improve the appearance of downtown Tompkinsville
? Provide programs for two Garden Clubs.
? Home gardens will improve garden productivity
Initial Outcome:
? Complete survey of potential Master Gardner participants
? Home gardeners will gain knowledge improving garden production
? Homeowners will learn ways to improve their home landscapes
? Identify potential leaders for continuing Master Gardener success
Evaluation:
Outcome: Enroll participants in Master Gardener class
Indicator: Number of participants enrolled
Method: Program evaluation
Timeline: 2017-2018
Evaluation:
Outcome: Homeowners will be better able to produce their own food
Indicator: Number of participants in homeowner education classes
Method: Post-program survey
Timeline: 2017-2020
Evaluation:
Outcome: Master Gardener participants become certified
Indicator: Completing volunteer hours at end of classes
Method: Number of participants report successes
Timeline: 2017-2020
Evaluation:
Outcome: Expanded community garden program
Indicator: Program is expanded by adding additional garden beds and participants learn new garden techniques
Method: Number of garden beds and number of participants
Timeline: 2017-2020
Audience: Local citizens
Project or Activity: Community gardener classes
Content or Curriculum: UK garden and landscape publications
Inputs: Ken Johnson, Zeb Ferguson
Date: 2017-2020
Audience: Garden Club members
Project or Activity: Presentations on home beatification
Content or Curriculum: UK Publications
Inputs: Ken Johnson
Date: 2017-2018
Audience: Master Gardener participants
Project or Activity: Master Gardener program
Content or Curriculum: Master Gardener Curriculum
Inputs: Ken Johnson, agents, and Specialists
Date: 2017-2018
Author: Kevin Lyons
Major Program: Commercial Horticulture
Many people in Kentucky are learning about the seasonal high tunnel initiative grant program, through the Natural Resources Conservation Service of the USDA. In south-central Kentucky, farmers have taken advantage ofthat grant program and are now producing fruits and vegetables year-round, with the aid of unheated hoop houses also known as high tunnels and some that have been converted to seasonally heated greenhouses. With so many producers and hobby farmers inquiring about this program a
Author: Kevin Lyons
Major Program: Home & Consumer Horticulture
It was discovered during a Cooperative Extension Service program planning meeting, attended by the Monroe Co. ANR Agent; the Metcalfe Co. ANR Agent , and the Barren Co. Horticulture Agent that each of these counties had fruit producers that had been requesting information and assistance with proper pruning methods and correct pruning times for various crops. It was determined that the three counties should partner to hold a fruit pruning workshop with the assistance and expertise from Dr. John S
