Sky Hope Rehabilitation Center is a 100-bed facility for women with drug addictions.  Pulaski County has a large drug abuse problem. Gardening has been shown to have many positive effects on humans.  There are physical, cognitive, social, and psychological benefits such as improvement in self-esteem, alleviation of depression, increased strength and stamina, and decreased stress.  

Winter programs consisted of sessions on vegetable gardening, straw bale gardening, raised bed gardening, and seed starting.  Every resident received a seedling pack in which cole crops were planted. They were charged with caring for their own plants in their rooms.

In early March, the Pulaski County ANR and Horticulture Agents helped the women build three 12’ by 4’ raised beds. The women shoveled topsoil into the beds and by mid-March, the Horticulture Agent led weekly lessons and plantings outside. Lake Cumberland Master Gardeners volunteers assisted. Four straw bales were planted and herbs were planted in a wood pallet.

A core group of women were instructed on the jobs to do daily/weekly including weeding, watering and fertilizing, and harvesting. A rain gauge helps them in their irrigation decisions. As produce is harvested, they record the weight.

The season is currently on-going. Several women had a solid gardening background and were excited to get to do this activity while they are recovering. Others were absolutely at level zero in their knowledge. They have proved to be capable adults, working together and learning to produce successful and nutritious crops.

The Pulaski County SNAP-Ed assistant and Horticulture Agent spoke with the kitchen staff to see what could be incorporated into meals. They are not only learning about growing food but also nutrition through SNAP-Ed programs that are presented bi-weekly an/or monthly.