Although an agricultural region, when it comes to available fresh produce, Carlisle County is lacking.  With no notable producers of local fruits or vegetables, there is no farmer's market available in the entire county.  Two local supermarkets provide the only available fresh options within over 20 miles.  With that in mind, Ag and FCS Extension recognized a need and opportunity to provide the community with education, resources, and a small start up project. 

Gardening To-Go was offered during times of restricted social guidelines, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  Because participants were advised against gathering in social groups, Ag & FCS Extension combined to distribute take home gardening kits to local residents.  Kits contained agricultural guides and publications, seed packets, gardening calendars, young tomato and pepper plants, and recipes utilizing fresh produce.  Agents dedicated time to individually speak to each participant as they received their kit, ensuring each was comfortable with their garden start up.  Over 65 local community members received kits! Many have reached out to share their success with the tomato plants and pepper plants.  

New found gardeners are encouraged to expand on their newly acquired skill.  Food preservation and even marketing and distribution are shown as attainable goals, with resources available in hopes that the "seed" of gardening will flourish into local producers and a farmer's market for the community.