In gardening, knowledge is power. Like life, much of gardening is outside our control. But by educating ourselves on the basic fundamentals of gardening we can learn how to recognize problems when they arise and how to manage them not only now but also in the future.

In the spring of 2024, the Madison County Horticulture Agent offered a series of classes called "The More You Know the Better You Grow". These were designed for all levels of gardeners. After each class she sent an evaluation to class participants. At the end of the growing season (late September), the Agent sent a follow up evaluation to see how impactful the class had been. Below are descriptions of each class as well results from the early and late season evaluations.

Raise the Roof: This class focused on the basics of growing plants in raised beds, including construction of the beds, plant selection and challenges.

Early results

30% of participants were new gardeners

100% of participants were going to raise at least part of their garden (vegetable, fruit, flower) in raised beds

86% felt better equipped to build their own raised bed

71% felt better equipped to take care of a raised bed

Late season results

100% said they used information they learned while attending the Raise the Roof class during their gardening season

67% reported their gardening experience was better because they attended the Raise the Roof gardening class

100% of participants plan to attend more classes at the Madison County Cooperative Extension Office

Home Landscape Basics: Discussed basic needs of landscaping such as choosing the right plant for the location, identifying problems and creating a landscaping plan

Early results

78% learned ways to amend the soils

78% learned the importance of soil testing

89% learned how to use a rain gauge

44% learned how to properly irrigate

89% learned the difference in compost and mulch

78% learned why weeding is important

78% know where to find other helpful resources

Late season results 

100% used information they learned at the Landscape Basics class during their growing season

100% felt their gardening experience was better because of what they learned during the Landscape Basics class

100% plan to attend more classes at the Madison County Extension Office

Name That Pest: This class covered integrated pest management; diseases, insects and animal problems that are common in the garden, landscape and home

Early results

80% were able to identify problems and pests in their garden

80% learned about resources to help identify and control pests

100% learned why integrated pest management is important

100% recognized prevention is the first and best way to control problems in the garden

Late season results

100% felt that because of what they learned at the Name That Pest class they were better equipped to identify pests and problems in their garden because of this class

100% planned on attending more classes at the Madison County Extension Office

75% said that their garden and landscape was better because of what they learned during the Name That Pest class.

75% used less chemicals in their landscape because of what they learned during the Name That Pest class