Describe the Issue or Situation.

Home gardeners in Hardin County frequently seek reliable, research-based information to improve their gardening skills, increase the success of their growing efforts, and stay informed about new trends and techniques. Many residents are eager to start or expand their gardens but feel unsure about what to plant, how to care for their plants, or how to make their gardens more productive and visually appealing. In response to this ongoing need for accessible and practical horticultural education, the Hardin County Cooperative Extension Service developed the Gardener’s Toolbox Series. These hands-on classes offer targeted information on a wide range of gardening topics, empowering community members to try new techniques, adopt recommended practices, and explore a greater variety of plants. The program supports learning by providing take-home materials like seeds, bulbs, and step-by-step instructions, making it easier for participants to apply what they’ve learned in their own gardens.

Describe the Outreach or Educational Program Response (and Partners, if applicable).

Outreach:

• The Gardener’s Toolbox Series is offered through the Hardin County Cooperative Extension Service as part of its horticulture education efforts.
• The program targets home gardeners of all skill levels who are seeking trusted, research-based gardening information.
• A wide variety of topics are covered throughout the year to attract different interests (e.g., vegetable gardening, houseplants, pollinators, foliage, and new plant varieties).
• Classes are promoted to the public through Extension’s newsletters, websites, social media, word-of-mouth, and partner organizations.
• Each session includes interactive, hands-on learning and a take-home item related to the topic, increasing engagement and retention.

Program Response:

The Gardener’s Toolbox has seen a high level of participant satisfaction and behavior change:

• 83% of Beginning Vegetable Gardening class participants have gone on to start their own vegetable garden.
• 91% of attendees express appreciation for the opportunity to try new plant varieties provided at the end of each session.
• Participants are making informed decisions about what to grow based on Extension recommendations and the information presented during classes.
• The take-home items (seeds, bulbs, plants, or DIY projects) help reinforce learning and encourage participants to implement practices immediately.
• Over multiple growing seasons, the program has built a strong base of returning participants and continues to draw new gardeners eager to improve their skills.

Provide the Number and Description(s) of Participants/Target Audience.

Target Audience:

• Home gardeners of all experience levels – from beginners to advanced.
• Residents of Hardin County and surrounding areas interested in vegetable gardening, landscaping, indoor plants, sustainable practices, and plant selection.
• Individuals seeking hands-on, research-based horticulture education.
• People who prefer in-person, interactive learning and value take-home resources.

Participant Description:

Participants tend to be adult learners, including:

• Retirees with time to garden
• Busy professionals interested in low-maintenance or productive gardens
• New homeowners learning to care for their landscapes
• Individuals focused on sustainable and pollinator-friendly practices
• Many are repeat attendees who return for multiple sessions throughout the year.
• A large portion of participants are motivated to try new techniques and plants and report making changes based on class content.

Estimated Number of Participants:

Attendance varies by topic but typically ranges from 10 to 40 participants per class.

Over a growing season (multiple sessions), the program may reach several hundred unique individuals.

Five years of data collection indicates strong and consistent participation, especially in foundational classes like Beginning Vegetable Gardening.

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 Gardener’s Toolbox series has resulted in measurable, positive outcomes for home gardeners in Hardin County and surrounding areas. As a result of participating in these educational sessions:

• 83% of attendees in the Beginning Vegetable Gardening class have gone on to start or expand their own vegetable gardens, increasing access to fresh, homegrown produce and reducing food costs.
• 91% of all participants reported trying new plant varieties shared during the sessions, leading to greater plant diversity and more resilient home gardens.
• Participants are making informed gardening decisions based on science-backed information provided by the Extension Service, improving plant success rates and garden productivity.
• Attendees report feeling more confident and capable in their gardening efforts and are more likely to share what they’ve learned with others, extending the program's reach into the broader community.
• The hands-on, take-home approach has proven highly effective in reinforcing learning and encouraging immediate application of skills.
• Long-term data across five growing seasons demonstrates that this program contributes to increased environmental stewardship, improved local food production, and enhanced community engagement with Cooperative Extension resources.

Overall, the Gardener’s Toolbox series empowers residents to grow successfully, try new things, and make healthier, more sustainable choices in their home landscapes and gardens.