The Barren River Area Extension Master Gardener Association volunteers went every 3rd Saturday to set up an informational booth at the Bounty of the Barrens Farmers Market. The volunteers covered many different topics such as soil testing, seed starting, and many others. They offered a children’s activity each month when they visited. To expand this partnership, as the Bounty of the Barrens Farmers Market moved indoors, the Master Gardeners offered an educational series, “Around the Garden” free of charge on the 1st Saturday of each month.

Each month, the Master Gardeners shared their knowledge with the community on a variety of topics such as, fall garden cleanup, using fresh greenery, making dried sunflower head baskets, planning your garden, and attracting birds to your garden. Sadly, their last winter session, seed starting, was cancelled via COVID-19.

The market manager was pleased to have this added programming during the market to draw people in he said, “The Master Gardener programs are an excellent opportunity for the community to learn and gain hands-on experience with a variety of horticulture topics. We are very grateful to them for sharing their knowledge and being part of the winter market.”

Throughout the five sessions, they were able to hold this year; they reached a varied audience of 54 different individuals. These individuals learned how to clean up their garden at the end of the season and seven of them had the opportunity to go out in our demonstration garden to see how to put the knowledge into practice. Over 20 participants planned a garden of their own for the coming season with hands on help and tips from the master gardener volunteers. This program was such a success they plan to continue it in the future as long as the pandemic allows for it.