Sowing Seeds of Success: Demonstration Garden Flourishes in Whitley County

The Whitley County Extension Office, in a groundbreaking partnership with Kentucky Fish and Wildlife, proudly celebrates the establishment of its new Demonstration Garden—a thriving educational space designed to empower local residents with hands-on knowledge in vegetable gardening and pest management.

Recognizing a shared mission to promote environmental stewardship, sustainable agriculture, and community education, the Whitley County Extension Office and KY Fish and Wildlife joined forces to create a garden that not only produces food but cultivates knowledge. The collaboration has resulted in a robust learning environment where practical skills can be taught, observed, and replicated by community members in their own backyards.

The Demonstration Garden serves as a dynamic teaching tool, hosting a wide variety of vegetable crops suitable for Southeastern Kentucky’s unique climate and soil conditions. From tomatoes and peppers to squash and leafy greens, the garden reflects the region’s growing potential while addressing real-world challenges faced by local gardeners.

Workshops and site visits will guide clientele through the entire gardening process—starting from soil preparation and planting, to maintenance, harvesting, and post-harvest care. Crucially, the garden also doubles as a real-time teaching lab for identifying and managing common pests and plant diseases that affect home and community gardens in the area.

To ensure the longevity and productivity of the Demonstration Garden, it has been fully enclosed using state-of-the-art electrified wildlife protection fencing. This not only safeguards crops from deer, raccoons, and other wildlife but also serves as a living example of best practices for garden protection that participants can apply in their own spaces.

Early interest from residents, schools, and local civic groups underscores the importance and potential impact of the Demonstration Garden. By offering a space where people of all ages can learn and grow together, the garden supports the Extension Office’s mission to build stronger, more self-reliant communities through accessible education.

As the garden continues to evolve, plans are already in place to expand programming into areas such as soil health, composting, pollinator support, and water conservation—further reinforcing its role as a hub for sustainable living and local food systems.