Barren, Metcalfe, and Monroe Counties are home to a combined population of over 60,000 residents. Discussions with homeowners, program councils, and current Extension Master Gardener volunteers indicate that there is a growing interest in home & consumer horticulture.

Barren, Metcalfe, and Monroe County Cooperative Extension Services hosted a joint Extension Master Gardener volunteer training class over 14 weeks in the fall of 2018. Agents as well as University of Kentucky Specialist’s conducted classroom and hands-on activities. The Kentucky Extension Master Gardener manual was utilized throughout the class. The Barren County Extension Agent for Horticulture scheduled the speakers, organized the materials for each class, as well as made sure quizzes and quiz answer sheets were available for each topic covered.

Participants included homeowners and small horticulture producers. Each individual was interviewed to determine their interest in horticulture topics and emphasis was placed on whether they would be willing to give back to the community by helping to spread research-based information to others. A total of 18 people registered for the program.

The Barren River Area Extension Master Gardener Association members assisted the agents in many aspects throughout the 14 week program. They volunteered to grade homework, hand out materials, setup the snack break, and grade exams.

The participants were given an extensive exam at the conclusion of the program. Of those taking the exam 100% passed. Participants were surveyed about what the benefits of this program were as well as what they learned. One participant stated, “I believe I will have a better yard and have a better garden. I also feel more comfortable with sprays. Rather than spraying everything with seven, I’ll have knowledge of alternatives.” Another referenced, “The importance of getting a soil test and reading the label.” Finally, one stated, “I learned how relevant and important extension service programs/information is to all areas of agriculture and natural resources.”