The Extension Master Gardener Program is part of the Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service and is designed to expand horticultural knowledge among the community through the use of trained volunteers. Extension Master Gardeners are required to complete 40 hours of approved volunteer service related to horticulture within one year after completing the training as well as attend 20 hours of continuing education.  

 In the spring of 2019, the Mercer and Boyle county horticulture agents offered this program between the two counties. Throughout this 15 week program participants covered a wide range of horticulture topics. These topics were taught by horticulture agents as well as UK Extension Specialist in both counties and even at UK teaching greenhouses for a hands on propagation class. 

An evaluation was given the final day of class. 100% of the participants said they planned on implementing what they have learned through this master gardener program own their own land and garden such as:

• Soil Testing
• Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
• Mindful plant selection (right plant, for the right place)

All participants agreed that by implementing these new practices through the knowledge they gained they could save money in the future by:

• Propagating and grafting plants
• Growing their own produce for their families
• Spending less money on unneeded fertilizer
• Growing better and more produce to donate to food banks