Whitley County CES

Title:

Plant, Grow, Learn

MAP:

Family and Agricultural Economics

Agents Involved:

Benjamin Prewitt- Horticulture

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Horticulture, Consumer and Home

MAJOR PROGRAM 2:

Local Food Systems

Situation:

In times of economic uncertainty, I believe the importance of being able to efficiently grow your own food is vital. Plant, Grow, Learn will be a series of gardening classes offered to the community for people who are wanting to plant and grow a garden. 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. 

Long-Term Outcomes:

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.  

Intermediate Outcomes:

Seeing more people in the community garden, Seeing more active farmers markets, Seeing more Fresh/Local Produce Available in our community. 

Initial Outcomes:

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. 

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: More Clients Growing a Garden 

Indicator: More Gardens in the County

Method: Visual Inspections 

Timeline: Spring 2023

Intermediate Outcome: Clients More Active at Farmers Markets 

Indicator: More Vendors/ More Products

Method:  Attending Farmers Markets

Timeline: Spring/Summmer/Fall 2023

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 2023- 2025

Learning Opportunities:

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: Fall 2022/ Winter 2022/ Spring 2023

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