Warren County residents expressed desire to learn more about growing and cooking with herbs. Several knew how to grow herbs but let them go to waste because they did not know what to do with them. Others shared that they had a desire to grow herbs but had little knowledge of how to get started. In response to these wishes Kristin Hildabrand, Warren County Agent for Horticulture, and Kristi Shive, Warren County Agent for Family and Consumer Sciences, partnered together to teach a Growing and Cooking with Herbs series.

Kristin Hildabrand shared growing recommendations for parsley, dill, chives, cilantro, basil, mint, oregano, and rosemary. Kristi Shive provided information on proper care and storage, drying methods, herb cooking tips as well as a few demonstrations of Plate it Up! Kentucky Proud recipes that featured the primary herbs that were covered.

100 % of participants reported that they gained knowledge about growing and cooking with herbs.

100 % of participants reported that they planned to grow herbs that were mentioned in the program including; parsley, dill, chives, and cilantro.

100 % of individuals reported that they were better aware of the herb drying methods that were discussed during the presentation.

100 % reported increased confidence in the cutting techniques that were presented.

When asked how individuals planned to use this information presented they responded:

1. “Just getting started with my garden this year and plan on planting herbs and veggies!”
2. “Share it with my garden club to grow more dill and cilantro this year since I learned how to grow it properly!”