Success StoryMaster Gardener Program



Master Gardener Program

Author: Jessica Hopkins

Planning Unit: Harrison County CES

Major Program: Master Gardener

Plan of Work: Community Engagement and Economic Development

Outcome: Intermediate Outcome

The Master Gardener Program is part of the Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service and is designed to expand horticultural knowledge among the community through the use of trained volunteers.  Master Gardeners are required to complete 40 hours of approved volunteer service related to horticulture within one year after completing the training as well as attend 20 hours of continuing education.  


In the fall 2017, the Horticulture Agents of Harrison and Bourbon Counties offered a joint Master Gardener program.  The ten week program offered a curriculum that included a wide variety of horticulture subjects that were taught through classroom lectures, labs and demonstrations by University of Kentucky Specialists and Horticulture Agents.


The evaluation survey of the ten week program indicated that, because of the training they received, 100% of the participants increased their knowledge in:

  • general knowledge of gardening

  • cooperative extension and the role it serves in the community

  • integrated pest management methods for plant problems

All of the participants expressed plans to adopt at least three practices learned from the program including:

  • obtaining a soil test

  • prune and fertilize fruit trees

  • clean up the garden after the growing season

  • rotate vegetable crops

  • insect control






Stories by Jessica Hopkins


Statewide Horticulture Agent In-Service Training

about 1 months ago by Jessica Hopkins

Describe the Issue or SituationThe Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service sought to enhance the know... Read More


Stories by Harrison County CES


Central KY Hay Contest

Central KY Hay Contest

about 1 months ago by Jessica Barnes

The majority of livestock producers in Harrison County do not test their hay. Determining and unders... Read More


National Competition leads to Progressive Experiences

National Competition leads to Progressive Experiences

about 2 months ago by Shannon Farrell

4-H LifeSmarts is the ultimate consumer challenge for 4-Hers in 6th-12th grades. Like academic style... Read More