Whitley County CES

Title:

Jr. Master Gardeners; Plant, Grow, Learn.

MAP:

Family and Agricultural Economics

Agents Involved:

Benjamin Prewitt- Horticulture, Lisa Jones- 4H

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Horticulture, Consumer and Home

MAJOR PROGRAM 2:

Local Food Systems

MAJOR PROGRAM 3:

Agriculture

Situation:

In times of economic uncertainty, I believe the importance of being able to efficiently grow your own food is vital. Through Jr. Master Gardeners 4-H Club we will use the Plant, Grow, Learn curriculum to teach youth/parents about gardening. 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
• Getting youth involved with gardening
• familiarize youth with food industry and where food comes from
• using Certified Master Gardeners to lead 4-H clubs

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: Feb/March 2024

Intermediate Outcome: Clients More Active at Farmers Markets 

Indicator: More Vendors/ More Products

Method:  Attending Farmers Markets

Timeline: May 2024

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 2024-2025

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: September 2023-April 2025

Audience: 4-H Youth 

Project or Activity: Jr. Master Gardener Club

Content or Curriculum: Plan, Grow, Learn

Inputs: Curriculum, Hands on Gardening, building raised beds, community service projects

Date: August 2023-April 2025