Teaching youth from kindergarten to seniors in high school about horticulture and integrating lessons about where our food comes from, learning about hydroponics, or creating gardening spaces for pollinators and edible landscapes has been some of the focus for over 260 students in Campbell County from Reiliey Elementary, Newport Intermediate Elementary, Dayton High School, Woodfill Elementary and Johnson Elementary students participant in Horticulture School Gardening Programs.

Most of our students live in urban communities where horticultural sciences is not part of the school curriculum or home life. Teaching youth about the plant life cycle, planting seeds and harvesting fresh produce and utilizing KY Proud Recipe(s) is one of the programs highlights. Growing spinach hydroponically at Reiley Elementary engaged the students to be curious and excited to each spinach in a smoothie. 98% of the students said that they would eat more spinach and shared that they wanted to plant spinach at home. 

In 2025, three of the school will be participating in the Kentucky Agriculture Science Mobile Program. Another school will be taking a field trip to a local farm and participant in selling cut flowers at their community farmers market. 

As a result of horticulture programs in Campbell County schools, students:

• Create a safe space for all learning style to be curious about nature
• Reduction of student stress levels
•  Since of ownership, pride and responsibility

Local community partners, volunteers, and Extension allow these programs to blossom each year.