Describe the Issue or Situation.

Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, interest in home gardening has surged across Spencer County and throughout Kentucky, with families turning to gardening as a source of food security, stress relief, and educational enrichment. In response, the Spencer County Cooperative Extension Service continued its youth gardening initiative, designed to cultivate both gardens and young minds.

Describe the Outreach or Educational Program Response (and Partners, if applicable). Provide the Number and Description(s) of Participants/Target Audience.

Over the past year, Extension agents partnered with local schools and the Spencer County Early Learning Center to teach 250 middle school students and 175 preschool and kindergarten students the fundamentals of gardening. Extension agents and Master Gardener volunteers visited several classrooms to educate students on identifying fruits and vegetables, recognizing different types of seeds, understanding the process of photosynthesis, and participating in a seed-planting activity. Students tracked the growth of their seeds through record-keeping and were able to take their garden plants home to add to their family gardens.

Provide a Statement of Outcomes or Program Impact. Please note that the outcomes statement must use evaluation data to describe the change(s) that occurred in individuals, groups, families, businesses, or in the community because of the program/outreach.

The results have been inspiring. Every student successfully planted and watered their seeds—corn, pumpkin, and sunflowers—and took pride in watching them grow. The Early Learning Center expanded on the project with the help of Extension staff by acquiring soil and plants to create “salsa gardens.” These gardens will continue to grow throughout the summer and will be shared with young students when they return in the fall.

The success of this program underscores the importance of integrating gardening education into youth development initiatives. With continued support from the Spencer County Cooperative Extension Service and local schools, these young gardeners are growing more than just vegetables—they’re cultivating curiosity, responsibility, and life skills that will benefit them for years to come.