All people benefit from horticulture and green space. According to the National Initiative for Consumer Horticulture, plants increase our well-being at home, at school, and in recovery.  Homes and classrooms with plants increase relaxation. Classrooms with plants improve test scores by 10% and have a calming effect on children. Patients recovering from surgery took less pain relievers and went home sooner when their rooms contained plants. Therefore, educating adults and youth in horticulture adds value to all people’s lives.

During 2022-23, twenty-six adult home horticulture programs were offered by the Pulaski County Horticulture Agent with direct instruction to over 525 individuals.  In addition, ten youth programs were held for over 270 youth. Horticulture Extension was present at two large events that totaled well over 1000 participants.

Home landscape soil testing yields information that can be extremely helpful in diagnosing plant problems/issues. During 2022-23, 603 home soil tests were completed by the Pulaski County Horticulture Agent. This is triple the total number of soil tests from 2020-21. In addition, 220 commercial horticulture soil tests were completed. 

According to the USDA’s Food Access Research Atlas, the eastern part of Pulaski County and a pocket south of Somerset are considered food deserts.  Therefore, locally grown fruits and vegetables are extremely important to our community.   With over 100 produce growers in Pulaski County, it’s important they be successful and profitable.

The mandatory food safety training (PSA Food Safety Training) was held in Pulaski County in 2023. Nineteen growers attended and have now satisfied that requirement under the Food Safety Modernization Act. The Pulaski County Horticulture Agent taught two of the modules at that training and hosted the event. The Pulaski County Horticulture and Family and Consumer Science Agents hosted a Home-Based Microprocessor training in April 2023 for four farmers.