Fresh food accessibility can be minimal when operating on a limited budget.  This can be especially true without knowledge of how to properly grow and prepare fresh food products.  Residents of the Franklin Housing Authority expressed an interest in learning more about growing fresh vegetables, proper gardening techniques and utilization of fresh vegetables in recipes.  

In response, the Simpson County Extension Agent for Agriculture and Natural Resources and Simpson County NEP Assistant worked together to receive the NEP School and Community Garden Grant in the amount of $1,500.  After working with staff at the Housing Authority, a location, desired plants and number of families served was decided upon. The grant was used for Extension employees to purchase soil for the raised bed gardens and gardening tools.  Extension collaborated with the local FFA chapter to construct the raised beds.  These raised beds along with a small tilled area are being utilized to demonstrate how to properly grow fresh vegetables in small spaces based on University of Kentucky recommendations. Residents will learn about the need for soil testing, how to construct and plant raised beds and details of properly planning, maintaining, harvesting and preparing their own vegetables.  

Participants consist of twelve families that live in the Franklin Housing Authority.  Following the garden project, participants will enjoy self-fulfillment from growing their own vegetables and eating healthier while stretching their food dollar.  They will have knowledge of various gardening methods, types of summer vegetables consisting of different varieties, and how to properly scout for diseases and insects.  The demonstration garden consists of raised beds, various weed control methods and mulching material in the tilled ground, the Florida weave tomato staking method, and a timed irrigation system.  Post-harvest participants will learn how to utilize KY Proud recipes with the Simpson County NEP Assistant.