The Need: In 2021’s summer, 11,393 residents of McCracken County rented their home.   McCracken County Horticulture and McCracken County Extension Master Gardeners (MCEMG) demonstrated how residents can grow vegetables, herbs and flowers without disturbing the soil using above-grade gardens. Gardens were July-October of 2021 at the McCracken County Extension Service on New Holt Road. 

The Program:14 McCracken County Extension Master Gardeners (MCEMG) used their knowledge gained as volunteers to help to grow the new Demonstration Garden from summer to fall of 2021.  At the free “Toolbox Class” of September 7,2021, Horticulture Agent, Agent Assistant, and MCEMG led 19 residents on a tour of the Demonstration and Research Garden. On-site education was provided by 5 MCEMG volunteers stationed at the various locations of the 13 grow-beds of vegetables, herbs and flowers. Demonstration Garden included pallet gardens, wicking-raised beds and containers.  Produce from these gardens included peppers, tomatoes, herbs and sweet potatoes. Market-ready vegetables and herbs were donated to the public.   

The Results: +One of the participants told that she sent the information on to her son to learn about these gardening methods.              +One of the local not-for-profit organizations sought information for their community garden. Raised-bed wicking gardens planted with vegetables and herbs