Cumberland County CES

Title:

Horticulture

MAP:

Horticulture and Local Food

Agents Involved:

Anderson, Messenger

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Local Food Systems

MAJOR PROGRAM 2:

Horticulture, Consumer and Home

MAJOR PROGRAM 3:

Soil testing

MAJOR PROGRAM 4:

Plant Disease ID

Situation:

With the Locally grown movement in full swing, more and more individuals want to grow their own fruits and vegetables and live off of the land. Grant and loan programs through Extension and other agencies (USDA-FSA, USDA-NRCS, Soil Conservation, etc.) has allowed an increase in permanent structures such as high tunnels for producers. A second level to this is the Master Gardener program. It allows for community members to gain experience for their selves as well as share their wealth of knowledge with other producers and youth. A third level would be the push for farm to school movements. A school garden has been installed at the local elementary and middle schools. Something else that spans over all commodity groups is health and well-being of producers. Many farmers work long hours to get done what they need to. This often wears them down physically and mentally.

Long-Term Outcomes:

Extension Master Gardeners extend the educational outreach to community gardens, youth gardens, lawn and garden practices, etc.

Redemption rate of senior vouchers at the farmers’ market increases annually.

Redemption rate of WIC vouchers at the farmers’ market increase annually. 

Intermediate Outcomes:

Extension Master Gardeners engage as facilitators for classes and/or workshops.

The elementary and middle schools provides some vegetables and greens for the cafeteria to serve. 

Increase number of vendors with variety of products at the farmers’ market. 

Initial Outcomes:

Extension Master Gardener Program flourishes with increasing number of certified volunteers.

Identify production methods to extend the growing season for fruits and vegetables.

Students gain an understanding of growing vegetables. 

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: Master Gardeners will pass their certification exams and maintain their educational and volunteer hours.  

Indicator: Number of certified volunteers.

Method: Exams and volunteer hours.

Timeline: December and June.

Initial Outcome: Identify production methods to extend the growing season for fruits and vegetables. 

Indicator: Producers installing and developing plans to extend their growing season for the market. 

Method: Number of pounds sold in extended months (April and May; October and November). 

Timeline: Early Spring and Late Fall. 

Initial Outcome: Students gain an understanding of growing vegetables.   

Indicator: Produce living without much guidance for instructors. 

Method: Pounds of produce harvested. 

Timeline: Spring and fall.

Initial Outcome: Private pesticide applicators will complete a training course. 

Indicator: Number of cards printed. 

Method: Private applicator training materials (videos).  

Timeline: December and February

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Home Gardeners

Project or Activity: Production Systems

Content or Curriculum: Various Topics

Inputs: UK specialists, industry professionals, horticulture agents, etc.

Date: Early Spring

 

Audience: CCES (K-5)

Project or Activity: Raised Beds, Orchard, Tower Garden & Recipes for Life

Content or Curriculum: Various Topics

Inputs: Varies by topic

Date: September – April

 

Audience: All Producers

Project or Activity: Soil Testing

Content or Curriculum: UK Soil Lab

Inputs: UK specialists

Date: Year around

 

Audience: Drug Court Participants

Project or Activity: Extension Office Garden

Content or Curriculum: Various Topics

Inputs: Varies by Topic

Date: Summer 2024

 

Audience: Low Income Gardeners

Project or Activity: Gardening 101 at the Courthouse Basement

Content or Curriculum: Various Topics

Inputs: Varies by Topic

Date: Spring 2025

 

Audience: Horticulture Producers

Project or Activity: PBPT Training's

Content or Curriculum: PBPT Training Materials

Inputs: UK specialists, industry professionals, Horticulture agents, etc.

Date: As Needed.

 

Audience: All Producers

Project or Activity: QPR Session

Content or Curriculum: QPR Materials

Inputs: UK specialists

Date: Late Fall

 

Audience: All Producers

Project or Activity: Private Applicator Training

Content or Curriculum: Private Applicator Training Materials

Inputs: UK specialists & industry professionals

Date: December and February

 

Audience: Producers

Project or Activity: CAIP (cost-share) Training's

Content or Curriculum: Various Topics

Inputs: UK specialists, industry professionals, Horticulture agents, etc.

Date: Fall

Success Stories