Marshall County CES

Title:

Home Horticulture

MAP:

Thriving Individuals, Strong Families

Agents Involved:

NR

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Horticulture, Consumer and Home

MAJOR PROGRAM 2:

Master Gardener

MAJOR PROGRAM 3:

Nutrition and Food Systems General

MAJOR PROGRAM 4:

Community Leadership Development

Situation:

Gardening interest is on the rise. 77% of American households garden in some way, according to the National Gardening Survey. 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.) Gardening provides more than a healthy food supply. It also offers an outlet for affordable exercise. 40% of Marshall County adults are obese or overweight (Extension Community Needs Assessment) and may benefit from gardening related exercise.

The Kentucky Extension Master Gardener (EMG) Program develops trained volunteers to assist county Extension staff in meeting this need for research-based information and public outreach while simultaneously encouraging volunteers to become leaders in the community. The residents of Marshall County indicated that they would like to see more qualified leaders to prepare the community for the future, and also more citizens helping to solve local issues (Extension Needs Assessment 2019.)

Marshall County gardeners will continue to look to Cooperative Extension for unbiased expert gardening advise. 

Long-Term Outcomes:

Home Horticulture:
Increase access of fresh food
Reduce plant loss in landscaping
Minimize environmental impact by following recommended use of pesticides, herbicides, and/or fertilizers
Added value or reduced expenses with landscaping
Volunteer for community horticulture projects
Improve physical, social and/or mental health
Develop employment skills

Master Gardeners:
The public has a positive perception of EMG volunteers as reliable sources for home horticulture information.
EMG Volunteers extend the educational outreach of the Cooperative Extension Service in areas such as community gardens, youth gardening, environmentally sustaining lawn and garden practices, and other topics.
Food Insecure families increase health and finances because of using EMG donation garden produce. 

Intermediate Outcomes:

Home Horticulture:
Use Extension diagnostic services
Be active in gardening
Diversify plant varieties
Add native plants to landscaping
Use Integrated Pest Management practices
Adopt best practices in water quality and/or soil health
Handle chemical safely

Master Gardeners:
All Participants/ EMG volunteers maintain consistency in completing hours to maintain certification.
Participants (certified EMG volunteers) put into practice the skills learned when completing volunteer hours and working with clientele
Participants engage as facilitators and presenters for classes, lectures, or workshops EMG volunteers practice effective skills when interacting with clientele
EMG volunteers have positive perceptions of their role as reliable sources for home horticulture information
Food Insecure families utilize produce, healthy recipes and educational resources donated by the EMG's

Initial Outcomes:

Home Horticulture:
Increase their knowledge of horticulture and best practices in soil health, water conservation, and chemical use
Recognize the value of diagnostic testing
Match plants to appropriate planting location
Understand the value of native plants
Discuss pollinator protection
Locate Extension horticulture resources
Observe horticulture and food preparation demonstrations

Master Gardener:
Participants gain knowledge in many aspects of home horticulture. This is measured through regular quizzes.
Participants become more aware of Extension’s role in addressing the needs of local residents
Participants master the EMG curriculum by passing (score of 75% or better) comprehensive exam given at the end of the training.
Participants become Certified EMG volunteers when they master the curriculum and provide 30 hours in volunteer service to the local Cooperative Extension Office.
EMG Volunteers donate produce raised in the Extension donation garden, healthy recipes and educational resources to food insecure families 

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: Residents recognize the resources UK Extension has to offer. 

Indicator: Participation numbers and survey responses

Method: Surveys and Sign in Sheets

Timeline: Continuous

Intermediate Outcome: Increased number of residents gardening/landscaping and increases number utilizing Extension resources or attending programs. 

Indicator: Number of tests submitted through office, number of client questions, program participation numbers, etc. 

Method: Agent records for reporting

Timeline: Continuous

Long-term Outcome: Residents have improved gardens/landscapes/lawns, health from garden related exercise, home value and/or self worth. 

Indicator: Clients admit to having improved gardens, health, home value or self worth due to utilization of Extension horticulture resources or participation in Extension horticulture programming.

Method: Communication with the clients, surveys, etc. 

Timeline: Continuous

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Marshall County's "Agriculture List"

Project or Activity: Nikki's Newsletter

Content or Curriculum: Timely updates and articles on farm and garden related topics

Inputs: UK/KSU specialists, agents, and resources, Extension volunteer articles, KY Horticulture Newsletter articles, KY Pest News, UK Agriculture Communications articles, NEP- Nutrition Education Program articles, etc. 

Date: Continuous 

Audience: Aspiring Master Gardener Volunteers

Project or Activity: Marshall Master Gardener Class

Content or Curriculum: EMG Core Curriculum  

Inputs: Sessions taught by Agents, Specialists or local experts utilizing Extension publications, research and resources. 

Date: Fall 2025

Audience: Master Gardener Volunteers

Project or Activity: EMG Continuing Education

Content or Curriculum: EMG Curriculum, UK/KSU and other University's resources, etc.

Inputs: UK/KSU specialists, agents, and resources, local experts, Extension volunteers, KY Horticulture Newsletter articles, KY Pest News, UK Agriculture Communications articles, etc. 

Date: Continuous 

Audience: Gardening/Landscape Enthusiast 

Project or Activity: Home Horticulture Classes and Workshops

Content or Curriculum:  UK/KSU Resources

Inputs: UK/KSU Specialists, agents, and resources, local experts, and Extension volunteers

Date: Continuous

Audience: Residents with Gardens or Landscapes 

Project or Activity: Home Visits and Client Questions

Content or Curriculum:  UK/KSU Resources

Inputs: UK/KSU Specialists, agents, and resources, local experts, and Extension volunteers, Diagnostic labs, etc. 

Date: Continuous

Audience: The 3,481 resident who receive food stamps and the 3,570 residents who are food insecure in Marshall County (Extension Needs Assessment 2019)

Project or Activity: Donation Garden

Content or Curriculum:  UK/KSU Resources, NEP Resources, Plate It Up KY Proud recipes, etc. 

Inputs: Agent and EMG Volunteer time

Date: Continuous

Sources:
https://extension.ca.uky.edu/files/marshall_extension_community_assessment_2019.pdf