In the spring of 2019, the Perry County Cooperative Extension Family and Consumer Sciences agent offered a class on Gardening Options for Everyone.  This lesson covered gardening basics such as soil, light, and drainage as well as spacing, planting depth, and caring for plants.   Since many people in southeastern Kentucky now have only one or two in the household, a large garden is no longer the best option for them.  Smaller container gardens or raised bed gardens are better options.  This lesson discussed using pots for container gardens and how to construct raised beds.  With the population of this region increasing in age- by 2025, 38% of Perry County’s population is expected to be over the age of 65 – it is important to offer this audience a program that they can use to help them eat healthier and stay active while meeting the needs of a smaller family.

The University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service put together a garden program for the Kentucky Extension Homemakers Association.  This program was used in the eight southeastern Kentucky counties.  Approximately 100 homemaker leaders attended the eight sessions taught in eight counties.   Those leaders then shared the information with approximately 600 more extension homemakers in those eight counties.

A follow-up evaluation from 71 responses showed that 

• 86% planned to install raised beds or use container gardens
• 25% planned to construct a higher raised bed to eliminate the need for bending
• 95% learned new information about gardening
• 25% were already avid gardeners using garden plots
• 95% had never used vegetable starter pellets to start seeds 

Some responders shared comments:

• This is one of the greatest programs that someone has taught for us.
• Very good information- very helpful and has encouraged me to garden a little. The raised bed is a great thing as we get older.
• I talked to my neighbor who has grown a small garden without much success.  I shared all of the materials that I received with her.
• I have gone to many classes on gardening and I always go away learning a little more.
• I really enjoyed the hands-on planting of seeds in the Jiffy Pot Windowsill Garden.  I was unaware that they enlarged after adding water.  Great way for me to start my plants – so easy and no mess!