Gardening is a popular hobby which results in an increase for the demand of horticultural information.   With the help of trained Extension Master Gardener volunteers, who deliver science-based horticultural information, the Horticulture Extension Agent is able to reach more clientele with information on growing and maintain vegetable gardens and landscape plants. They are a vital part of the outreach of the Cooperative Extension Service into the community.   In addition, the Extension Master Gardeners seek this opportunity to fulfill their goal of helping others in the community through sharing their gardening knowledge gained through the program.

A new class of 17 Extension Master Gardeners were taught by the Extension Agent for Horticulture Education and Horticulture Program Assistant from Daviess County as well as University of Kentucky Extension Specialists in the fall of 2024.  They demonstrated how to collect soil properly for a soil test.   This skill gained can be used to teach others how to collect their own soil sample for testing to grow healthy and productive plants while protecting the environment by only applying nutrients needed.  In addition, all of them passed an exam which covered many topics including growing vegetables, fruits, flowers, trees, and turfgrass.    

With the current Extension Master Gardeners and interns combined, 55 reported that they volunteered 2,927 hours toward educational projects involving horticulture in the community this fiscal year. The Independent Sector reported the value of volunteer time as $28.53 per hour.  The total value of the volunteer service provided to the community by the Extension Master Gardeners was $83507.  They also reported 772 hours of continuing education.  Participants in this program demonstrated the knowledge they gained by answering questions from clientele through educational booths at events such as the Owensboro Expo and Owensboro Regional Farmers’ Market.  They also contributed by maintaining the Raised Bed Demonstration Garden at the Extension Office, providing over 126 pounds of vegetables to a local soup kitchen.   Other projects included preparing seeds for the Seed Library at the Daviess County Public Library, maintaining a demonstration Monarch Waystation, and developing a native plant garden as well as working in other gardens there and helping at educational events at the Western KY Botanical Garden.