There is no doubt that the last couple of years have been tough (to say the least) for Americans. Battling numerous things including a global pandemic and times of economic uncertainty. With this thought in mind, I decided that it would be an excellent time to introduce the topic of getting back to our roots and provide a program in our community on some basic gardening principles. The ultimate goal for this Beginning Gardening Program was for individuals to be able to obtain some general knowledge on home vegetable gardening and take the knowledge obtained back to their homes and families and be able to successfully grow their own fruits and vegetables. 

     This program was held at the Whitley County Extension Office- Goldbug on a Thursday evening. Unsure of the community response, I was relieved when 42 individuals packed the small meeting room of the extension office. These individuals consisted of men and women of all age groups. Participants were provided a Presentation as we worked through a PowerPoint on multiple gardening topics and were given multiple resources/ educational material to take home. 

     As a new extension agent-early in my extension career, this number of participants showing up to a night program during the week was a HUGE success in my mind. To make things better, I have been given numerous vegetables as gifts from participants in this class that has successfully began growing their own gardens at home. I will certainly offer this program again!