Close Resources

Contact Information

Craig Wood, Ph.D
Acting Associate Dean & Director
UK Cooperative Extension Service

S-107 Ag. Science Center North Lexington, KY 40546-0091

+1 (859) 257-4302

craig.wood@uky.edu

Impacts

Contact Information

Craig Wood, Ph.D
Acting Associate Dean & Director
UK Cooperative Extension Service

S-107 Ag. Science Center North Lexington, KY 40546-0091

+1 (859) 257-4302

craig.wood@uky.edu




Fiscal Year:
Jul 1, 2024 - Jun 30, 2025


Success StorySunflower Contest Proves Soil Testing Is Important



Sunflower Contest Proves Soil Testing Is Important

Author: James Morgeson

Planning Unit: Washington County CES

Major Program: Soil testing

Plan of Work: Increasing Agricultural Systems In Washington County

Outcome: Long-Term Outcome

In Washington County, as in other Counties in Kentucky, gardeners don’t understand the importance of soil testing and then actually following the recommendations.  To combat this the Horticulture and 4H agents developed a contest on growing the largest and tallest sunflowers with an adult group and a 4H group.  Each participant attended a session on the culture and care of sunflowers, was given seeds of two varieties of sunflower varieties, and was given instructions on how to take soil samples for testing through the Extension Service.  Most participants chose to ignore soil testing, while a few did follow through with the tests.  Ninety days after participants attended the session on growing sunflowers the agents traveled to each participant's gardens to measure the height and flower diameters. The winners of the contest were announced and given coupons for garden supplies and a certificate for their growing achievements.  All four winners for height and flower diameter were those who obtained a soil test and applied the recommended amendments. This data will be used when discussing the importance of soil testing with future groups






Stories by James Morgeson


"Growing Together: The Success of Educational Garden Tours with the Washington County Garden Club"

"Growing Together: The Success of Educational Garden Tours with the Washington County Garden Club"

about 8 days ago by James Morgeson

Educational horticulture day trips with the Washington County Garden Club have proven to be a great ... Read More


Reduce Kitchen Waste With Vermicomposting

Reduce Kitchen Waste With Vermicomposting

about 8 days ago by James Morgeson

Participants in a recent vermicomposting workshop walked away with new skills, greater environmental... Read More


Stories by Washington County CES


"Growing Together: The Success of Educational Garden Tours with the Washington County Garden Club"

"Growing Together: The Success of Educational Garden Tours with the Washington County Garden Club"

about 8 days ago by James Morgeson

Educational horticulture day trips with the Washington County Garden Club have proven to be a great ... Read More


Reduce Kitchen Waste With Vermicomposting

Reduce Kitchen Waste With Vermicomposting

about 8 days ago by James Morgeson

Participants in a recent vermicomposting workshop walked away with new skills, greater environmental... Read More