Success StoryMaster Gardeners Teach Self-Reliance Skills



Master Gardeners Teach Self-Reliance Skills

Author: Traci Johnson

Planning Unit: Todd County CES

Major Program: Master Gardener

Plan of Work: Leadership, Community and Economic Development

Outcome: Initial Outcome

Educational programs that strengthen self-reliance skills are a continued priority identified by the Oldham County Extension and Agriculture Councils.  In Oldham County, residential area makes up just over half the county’s land area, according to the last 2012 Census of Agriculture (48% farmland, 52% residential land).  Home garden and landscape skills are important for residents in terms of both growing their own food and maintaining property values.   Programs covering these topics have maintained popularity and high participation numbers over the last ten years.


To help meet the demand for these horticulture education programs, Master Gardener volunteers have led efforts to organize and teach horticulture classes for the public.   Their efforts extend the reach of Extension staff in the county to increase knowledge of clients.


A committee of Master Gardener volunteers meets annually to identify class topics, speakers, and organize classes.  Speakers include Master Gardener volunteers, Extension personnel, and other local experts.   The Oldham County Agriculture Agent and Horticulture Assistant helped in planning, taught some of the programs, and provided classroom facilities, promotion, and marketing.


Goals for these programs include:

  • Targeting topics related to food production and increasing fresh food availability
  • Targeting topics related to landscape care, helping participants improve property aesthetics and value
  • Providing teaching experience for Master Gardener volunteers


Master Gardener volunteers organized and helped teach 17 horticulture programs since January 2018, reaching 303 participants.   Participants included residents of Oldham, Jefferson, and Shelby Counties.  All participants indicated learning a new skill to implement in their gardens and landscapes.


Master Gardener volunteers are those who have successfully completed Extension Master Gardener classes and certification.  Oldham County Extension will offer this volunteer training program again in fall 2019 to continue this productive volunteer relationship.  







Stories by Traci Johnson


Strengthening Farm Operations in Oldham County

Strengthening Farm Operations in Oldham County

about 2 years ago by Traci Johnson

Programs and services that strengthen farming operations are a priority for the Oldham County Extens... Read More


Researching Cereal Rye’s Potential in Kentucky

Researching Cereal Rye’s Potential in Kentucky

about 3 years ago by Traci Johnson

University of Kentucky researchers have been looking at cereal rye as a crop for Kentucky farmers fo... Read More


Stories by Todd County CES


Cook Together, Eat Together

Cook Together, Eat Together

about 2 years ago by Jill Harris

It has been reported that cooking more meals at home is related to increased fruit and vegetable con... Read More


The Power of Your Pantry

The Power of Your Pantry

about 3 years ago by Jill Harris

Early during the pandemic, many people found their grocery stores temporarily out of certain food pr... Read More