In February of 2021, the Jefferson Co. Horticulture Agent (Hort. Agent) partnered with the Jefferson Co. Soil & Water Conservation District (SWCD) to teach two sessions of a five-week-long online workshop, “Getting Your Garden Started”. A total of 60 people registered for the event and 34 of those folks attended all 5 sessions. Because the workshop series was taught on zoom, each session was recorded and uploaded to the Jefferson Co. Extension & Conversation District’s YouTube Channels where participants and the public could view each class at their leisure.

86% of all participants were first time Extension program participants and 90% were first time SWCD participants. Over the course of the 5 classes, participants learned about seasonal planting, how to take a read a soil sample and water conservation strategies. Participants took a pre-test and post-test to gauge knowledge gain during the program, below are some of the changes in knowledge:

1. 81% Increase in participants knowledge of correct timing for planting vegetables.
2. 86% Increase in knowledge of how and when to water a garden.
3. 125% Increase in knowledge of water conservation strategies
4. 150% Increase in ability to read and interpret a soil sample

As a result of this class, both Extension and SWCD were able to reach new audiences and provide support both in real time and via recording to assist residents of Jefferson Co. in being more sustainable in their gardening efforts and more effectively utilize the services offered by Extension and the Conservation District.