Success StoryKentucky Extension Master Gardener Program Virtual Training



Kentucky Extension Master Gardener Program Virtual Training

Author: Richard Durham

Planning Unit: Horticulture

Major Program: Master Gardener

Outcome: Initial Outcome

Because of COVID-19 restrictions, Master Gardener Training was different in 2020. Training usually occurs at the county or adjacent multi-county level, and 10-15 programs may conduct training in any given period (usually fall or spring). In 2020, I worked with several extension agents for horticulture/Master Gardener coordinators to plan a virtual training. Amy Aldenderfer, Harden County extension agent for horticulture, led this effort with significant contributions from Kristin Hildebrand, extension agent for horticulture in Warren County. The first training session occurred on September 25, 2020, and over 50 Master Gardener enrolled. Most access the training synchronously although some have opted to view recordings. A few labs (soils, plant propagation) are on hold until participants can meet face-to-face. The sessions last for 2.5 – 3 hours and include pre-session reading and homework assignments. The training concluded in February 2021 with a final exam administered by Qualtrics and tan evaluation. This virtual approach may provide options for future training. Agents my choose to participate in a centralized virtual training such as this one, use portions of this recorded training to supplement their local training or fill in when speakers are not available, or use recordings when participants need to make up a session due to absence. Regardless of how this new approach and resources are used, this venture into virtual training promises to make future trainings more efficient.






Stories by Richard Durham


Equiping Agents for Master Gardener Training

about 5 years ago by Richard Durham

The Extension Master Gardener training program generally involves approximately 14 weekly 2.5 hour s... Read More


Stories by Horticulture


Equiping Agents for Master Gardener Training

about 5 years ago by Richard Durham

The Extension Master Gardener training program generally involves approximately 14 weekly 2.5 hour s... Read More


Kentucky Vegetable and Melon Budgets Update

about 5 years ago by Christy Cassady

Kentucky is home to 30,480 farms of 49 or fewer acres (Census of Agriculture, 2017), and the states ... Read More