In the mountains of Eastern Kentucky, accessing fresh local heirloom produce is very important for so many families. Many of them work hard at gardening in order for them to have fresh produce during the summer and to make sure that they have enough to preserve for the winter months to enjoy. Some even sell some of their produce along the way for an additional source of income when needed to help support their families. In late July of 2022, the historic flood wiped out the majority of gardens as their vegetables was just beginning to be harvested.  A goal of the cooperative extension service was to find researched based information for safety of flooded foods and resources to support, encourage, and give hope for gardeners for the future.  

The Knott County Agriculture Agent strived to assist these gardeners throughout the county by helping them with grants, soils analysis, and ways to rebuild their soil health.  With the extension service being the hub for gardening resources, we partnered with Hindman Settlement School to offer free compost donated by Grow Appalachia, this will help to rebuild lost topsoil. Another opportunity was a partnership with the Kentucky Horticulture Council to repair small power equipment for gardeners. Over 20 pieces of equipment were repaired in agriculture shop classes across the state. As always, gardening classes where presented by the Knott County ANR Agent focused on many different topics, including plant nutritional needs, insect, and disease managemtn. Attendees were given various educational publications, as well as seeds, in hopes of assisting them with growing a successful garden. Completed survey shown that those attending classes had a bettter understanding of chemical use, fartlization, and benefits of crop rotation.  Publications that were given out included information on new gardening techniques and methods used to control different types of diseases, insects, and wildlife. The ANR agent has remained available to our gardeners through many daily calls, text messages, and social media messages, to ensure that producers have someone to contact with concerns and issues regarding their gardens.  Over 100 individuals have taken part in our educational backyard gardening programs. Putting a monetary value on how valuable the gardens are to families is challenging, although many commented that their garden gives them fresh food to enjoy, preserve, as well as the self-fulfillment you gain from raising a producing garden. Gardening is most-definitely a huge contributor to many families’ budgets annually, but most of all gives them so much enjoyment.  The opportunity to help them be successful is an important benefit that Knott County Extension Service is glad to play a vital role in.