Success StoryEmpowering Inexperienced Gardeners



Empowering Inexperienced Gardeners

Author: Sharon Flynt

Planning Unit: Scott County CES

Major Program: Home & Consumer Horticulture

Plan of Work: Basic Life Skills for Youth and Adults in Scott County

Outcome: Initial Outcome

The Growing Gardeners classes are a series of gardening programs created and conducted by the Scott County Cooperative Extension Horticulture Program. For the year 2018-2019, of the many the series’ classes offered, a group of them specifically addressed the inexperienced gardener’s needs.

The classes focused on starting seeds, easy to grown seeds and plants, planting seeds or transplants, alternative gardening techniques, proper garden placement, growing materials and containers, soil nutrient levels, sun exposure, and how to prevent pests and diseases. At the end of each class, attendees were given seeds, plants, bulbs or tools and equipment helpful to create their own gardens. One participant attended just about every class offered this year and admittedly described herself as “killing everything she tried to grow.” She always had a horror story about a gardening misadventure to share with the class However, at the last of the series of classes, she stated that she “loved the classes because I found out everything I had been doing wrong” . . . (and) enjoyed learned about proper technique, tools and plants that when she tried them, were making her “feel confident and successful” in her home gardening.






Stories by Sharon Flynt


East Meets West – The 2017 State Master Gardener Conference

about 6 years ago by Sharon Flynt

State Master Gardener Conference 2017 – East Meets West - was held at Scott Co. Cooperative Extensio... Read More


Pounds of Security for the Food Insecure

about 6 years ago by Sharon Flynt

Sourcing local foods and/or growing your own continues to gain popularity in Scott County. However, ... Read More


Stories by Scott County CES


Volunteer led program flourishes through extension support and training

Volunteer led program flourishes through extension support and training

about 6 years ago by Whitney Hilterbran

Building the capacity of volunteer leaders within counties is critical for the sustainability of a c... Read More


East Meets West – The 2017 State Master Gardener Conference

about 6 years ago by Sharon Flynt

State Master Gardener Conference 2017 – East Meets West - was held at Scott Co. Cooperative Extensio... Read More