Success StoryFirst-Time Gardeners Learn Planning Skills



First-Time Gardeners Learn Planning Skills

Author: Brian Jeffiers

Planning Unit: Johnson County CES

Major Program: Horticulture, Consumer and Home

Plan of Work: Home and Consumer Agriculture

Outcome: Initial Outcome

As the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted food supplies in early 2020, many families began looking for ways to produce their own vegetables at home. However, many lacked the expertise to do so. To address this need, Johnson Co. Extension sought and received a grant of $11,300 to conduct the Grow Appalachia program with 48 Johnson County families. The program includes education as well as technical assistance and inputs for production. 

The pandemic further complicated educational efforts by making in-person meetings difficult. The staff utilized an outdoor projection screen and an FM transmitter to allow participants to stay in their vehicles during the program. The first program was held March 8th with this technology and provided participants with instruction on site selection, soil testing, and site preparation. During their exit from the parking lot, 30 participants reported to staff that they had learned new information about where to place a garden and to avoid tilling during early spring when pollinators may still be hibernating in the soil.






Stories by Brian Jeffiers


Hay Contest Revamped, Expanded, and Still Helping Farmers

about 3 years ago by Brian Jeffiers

Proper nutrition of livestock relies on understanding the content of the feedstuffs being provided t... Read More


Farmers Learn Strategies for Improving Hay

about 3 years ago by Brian Jeffiers

Producing quality stored forage is essential for optimum livestock nutrition. After poor hay quality... Read More


Stories by Johnson County CES


Paint Creek Park Project-Bringing Hope

Paint Creek Park Project-Bringing Hope

about 4 years ago by Brenda Cockerham

Paintings in Paintsville is a mural project hosted in the center of Paintsville in Johnson County. T... Read More


Fall Seed Planting initiative

Fall Seed Planting initiative

about 4 years ago by Brenda Cockerham

60 sets of seeds, 30 gardening calendars (until supplies ran out) and informative packets were distr... Read More


Stories by Horticulture, Consumer and Home


Garden to Go Packets

Garden to Go Packets

about 3 years ago by Chuck Flowers

In order to stay in contact with clients the Ag and FCS agents decided to offer Garden to Go Packets... Read More


Gardening To Go Starter Kits

Gardening To Go Starter Kits

about 3 years ago by Benjamin Rudy

Due to the Covid-19 related restrictions, Extension agents had to be creative in designing programs ... Read More