Author: Amanda Sears
Major Program: Horticulture, Consumer and Home
Invasive plants can have major biological, economical and aesthetic impacts on Kentucky by degrading native habitats, decreasing the richness of native species and contributing to the loss of biodiversity. Invasive plants may negatively affect the state’s economy when they intrude on commercial fishing, aquaculture operations, forestry and agriculture as their removal comes at a cost. When recreational events such as hunting, hiking, fishing, swimming and boating are no longer possible or
Author: Chris Ammerman
Less than 2% of the population in the United States is made up of farm and ranch families according to the American Farm Bureau Federation. Despite millions of dollars invested by farm organization less than 25% of U.S. adults have a high degree of trust in information they get about food production.In a collaborative effort with Grant County Schools, Grant County High School FFA, Grant County Soil Conservation, Grant County Farm Bureau Federation, Grant County Family Resource Officers and
Author: Annette Heisdorffer
Gardening in raised beds has grown in popularity as people want to grow more of their own food. Limited space and lack of power equipment are barriers for implementing a vegetable garden in the backyard. Raised bed gardening fits in small spaces and only requires hand tools. With the leadership of the Extension Master Gardeners, they developed and maintained the Raised Bed Demonstration Garden at the Daviess County Cooperative Extension Service Office. The “Extensi
Author: James Morgeson
Gardening is a rewarding hobby that brings joy to many, but it comes with its challenges, particularly when it comes to managing weeds. Gardeners in Washington County asked the horticulture agent to help them identify and give weed control recommendations. Weeds compete for nutrients, water, and light and can also harbor pests and diseases that may harm desired plants. To maintain a healthy garden, gardeners must be able to identify different weed species and understand their growth habits, as s
In gardening, knowledge is power. Like life, much of gardening is outside our control. But by educating ourselves on the basic fundamentals of gardening we can learn how to recognize problems when they arise and how to manage them not only now but also in the future.In the spring of 2024, the Madison County Horticulture Agent offered a series of classes called "The More You Know the Better You Grow". These were designed for all levels of gardeners. After each class she sent an evaluati
Author: Savannah Gilbert
The McCracken County Cooperative Extension Service hosts a Toolbox Garden Series which takes place on the first Tuesday of each month. Every session covers a different topic to educate the public on a variety of horticulture subjects. September’s Toolbox, that took place September 3rd, was all about hydrangeas, which seems to be a common topic in the community. Unfortunately, the Agent who was supposed to present had retired shortly before the planned session. The Horticulture Assistant an
Author: Jennifer Palmer
Describe the Issue or Situation.Lack of free seeds to community members.A seed library is a valuable community resource that promotes sustainable gardening, biodiversity, and food security. Here are the key reasons for creating or supporting a seed library:1. Preserving BiodiversitySeed libraries help preserve heirloom and rare plant varieties that are often not available commercially. By encouraging the saving and exchange of diverse seeds, these libraries contribute to maintaining genetic dive
Author: Robert Kirby
According to the University of Kentucky Community Needs Assessment Survey results, strengthening/supporting the local food and agriculture industry is listed as a top priority indicator. To address this need, Knox County community members were educated of the importance and development of local food/local grown products/markets and the agriculture industry, the agriculture agent and FCS agent provided 5 educational opportunities with transportation provided to visit a local dairy farm, loc
Author: Brandon George
There was a strong demand by residents for help with designing their gardens and landscapes but many often feel overwhelmed by the information and process required. As a result, a program was designed to help support those residents.On August 29th, September 3rd, and 12th, 2024, participants attended the Garden Design Workshop: Enhance Your Outdoor Space program at the Kenton Lands facility. This was attended by twenty-four people with the intended outcome of having a basic understanding of the
Author: Steven Mobley
I attended an invasive species training in Frankfort. Several invasive species were identified. These invasive species have harmed the natural environment in several different ways, including out competing native species and not providing food for wildlife like the native plants have done in the past. Invasive plants and native plants have distinct characteristics and impacts on their ecosystems:Native PlantsAdaptation: Native plants are naturally found in a specific region and have adapte
Author: Jessica Hopkins
Describe the Issue or SituationThe Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service sought to enhance the knowledge and skills of horticulture agents across the state to better serve their communities. This was achieved through a statewide in-service training that focused on the latest developments in horticulture, including new research findings, pest and disease management strategies, sustainable gardening practices, and emerging trends in the industry.Describe the Outreach or Educational Program Respon
Author: Carrie Spry
The C1 thru C4 County Extension Agents for Horticulture, in partnership with the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food, and Environment, recently hosted a successful statewide in-service training for horticulture agents. This event, held on September 10-11, 2024, in Lexington, Kentucky, brought together a diverse group of agents and specialists from across the state to share knowledge, network, and learn about the latest developments in horticulture.The training was designed to pro
Author: Jessica Bessin
Author: Amy Aldenderfer
Describe the Issue or Situation.What began as a short-term stopgap for in person programming during the 2020 Pandemic, has become a much-attended weekly horticulture program. Describe the Outreach or Educational Program Response (and Partners, if applicable).Due to the continuing popularity of the Horticulture Webinar Wednesdays program a team of Kentucky Horticulture agents have continued to present weekly Wednesday webinars at 12:30 ET (11:30 CT) as a “lunch and learn” horticu
