2020 has been a challenging year as an emerging virus pandemic has altered the way that society has traditionally functioned. Our social norms have been turned upside down and everyday occurrences that we have taken for granted are being re-evaluated in a new light. Social distancing guidelines have put a strain on how extension agents are able to interact with their clientele, as in-person meetings have been put on hold indefinitely. Therefore, agents must come up with innovative ways to remain in contact with their audiences. Phone calls and email exchanges are still being employed, but also zoom meetings and social media outlets are becoming more common. 

Jefferson County Agent Stephen Lewis has been using social media to correspond with persons interested in learning and about gardening and urban agriculture. One such example is Ariel Smith, a young gentleman who saw the pandemic crisis as an essential time to learn how to produce his own food in order to feed his family in case of a global food shortage. Being that he was new to gardening and had limited space at his apartment, it was suggested to him by agent Lewis that he learn how to grow microgreens. Microgreens refers to a process of growing plants where seeds densely sown in trays and allowed to grow 7-14 days and then are harvested for consumption. Microgreens are becoming increasingly popular because they require little space and equipment to grow, they grow fast, and the plants are very nutrient dense. They go great in salads or as garnish for dishes. 

Mr. Lewis and Mr. Smith corresponded through Facebook messenger, sending messages at various times throughout the day, night and weekend. Mr. Smith received information on what microgreens are and why it would be a good idea to grow them. One reason Mr. Lewis explained, is because it teaches you how to sow and germinate seeds, which is foundational to horticulture instruction. Mr. Smith learned about the factors that affect seed germination such as, light, temperature, moisture and humidity. He also learned about different potting soil types and what makes a good potting mix for growing microgreens. Mr. Lewis sent various Youtube links on the subject to supplement written instruction and give Mr. Smith a visual guide on the process. Once Mr. Smith watched the videos, he came back with questions to understand the principles of why certain things were done. Once he got a good grasp of the concepts, he received a list of materials for setting up a home system which included shelving, lights, potting soil, trays, seeds, and fans. In his first few growing attempts he had some missteps as he was learning the process and didn’t have a good harvest but after several attempts and some minor changes, he was able to have a successful harvest. Being able to grow his own food has increased his confidence and self reliance and now he has been motivated to start his own business selling microgreens to businesses in his community.