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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, 2022 - Jun 30, 2023


Success StoryBackyard Fruit Class



Backyard Fruit Class

Author: Amanda Sears

Planning Unit: Madison County CES

Major Program: Horticulture, Consumer and Home

Plan of Work: Develop and Strengthen Leadership and Life Skills

Outcome: Initial Outcome

The Madison County Horticulture Agent offered a class called "Backyard Fruit" in late March. The class was offered twice, once during the day and once in the evening. It focused on what the Agent felt was the three most important things to consider before planting fruit.

1. Choose the right variety

2. Location

3. Common problems and how to avoid them

In addition to the presentation, the Agent also offered several handouts and publications such as backyard spray guides, information about soil sampling, the upcoming cicada emergence and a list of varieties recommended for Kentucky. Each attendee also received four strawberry plants to take home.

There were a total of 43 participants in the class. Eight had never been to the Madison County Extension Office. They said they had learned about the class from Facebook. The Agent signed the eight up for her newsletter so they would stay informed of upcoming meetings. There were also three youth which were participants in the county YAIP program.

The Agent evaluated the group at the end of the program. 

  • Two thirds of the class (66%) currently grew fruit. 
  • When asked what type of fruit they grew, the agent was surprised at the diversity. 
  • Peaches, apples, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, grapes, pears, cherries, figs, currants, mulberry, paw paw, elderberry, persimmon, chestnuts, hazelnuts, aronia, pecan, plum
  • 100% Felt better equipped to grow fruit.
  • 100% Felt they could better identify issues affecting their fruit plants/fruit trees.
  • 97% Said the next time they purchased fruit plants/trees, they would choose varieties that grow well here.










Stories by Amanda Sears


SARE Fellowship

SARE Fellowship

about 1 years ago by Amanda Sears

The Madison County Horticulture Agent took part in the SARE (Sustainable Agriculture Research Educat... Read More


Holiday Series

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about 1 years ago by Amanda Sears

The Madison County Horticulture Agent and the Family and Consumer Science Agent partnered on several... Read More


Stories by Madison County CES


International Grassland Congress 2023

International Grassland Congress 2023

about 1 years ago by Brandon Sears

Kentucky has long been recognized as a leader in forage production across the United States and the ... Read More


Grain Rescue Tube Program

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about 1 years ago by Brandon Sears

Madison County has seen an increase in grain crop production over the past 15 years and now has seve... Read More