The COVID-19 pandemic dramatically changed people’s lives. In addition to challenges and struggles related to mental/physical health, finances, supply/demand and food insecurities, people also experienced unexpected upsides. One such silver lining that came from disrupted routines included new hobbies. For example, gardening became a positive pastime that promoted nature, sunshine, physical activity, food, stress relief and relaxation. In addition, gardening contributes to a positive mood and happiness, healthier heart, enhanced self-esteem, stress reduction, and healthier eating (UNC Health Talk, 2020).  

To address the spiked interest in gardening, the Trimble County Cooperative Extension Family and Consumer Science Agent developed a four part “Grab n’ Grow” Garden Series. 

The packet topics included: Spring/Fall, Pollinator, Summer/Container/Herb, and Harvest & Preservation. Each packet included University of Kentucky educational publications, resources, seeds, plants, and a tool or item to aid in the implementation of each topic. 

The program was advertised via the Trimble County Newsletter, social media, and word of mouth.   Over 80 community members requested one or all of the available packets, which had pick up days ranging from the middle of April through the end of July. 

Forty-three participants completed follow-up surveys. Of these, 46% of participants became interested in gardening due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Participants reported:

- “Being home meant more time to garden and learn/experiment, have access to fresh and better-quality food, and spent more time with family and shared knowledge with others”

- “There was a shortage of foods in the grocery and growing and canning or freezing made economic sense

- “It made me want to have more fresh foods available at home when I realized the supply could be short in stores”

- “Desire to be more self-reliant”

97% of the participants reported their garden as very successful to successful.

99% of the participants reported that they consumed their fresh grown produce, used it in cooking, preserved or planned to preserve it, or that they shared their produce with others.

Of the seeds and plants provided to participants, the most popular included squash and green beans followed by beets and lettuce. Basil was by far the most popular herb. In addition, 67% of participants reported increasing their vegetable intake as a result of participating in the FCS (Family and Consumer Sciences) Extension Garden series. A remarkable 54% reported spending more time with family while participating in the garden series. Together, families participated in activities such as planting, harvesting, preserving, and/or maintaining the pollinator/hummingbird garden. An impressive 76% of participants reported increasing their daily physical activity while gardening.

When asked to share knowledge gained or a special experience, participants reported:

1. Beets and carrots are not something I normally plant. Excited to watch those grow and research how to care and harvest. Also excited to try new recipes for all the vegetables. Enjoy watching the hummingbirds at the feeder and all the other pollinators at the wildflowers. Wonderful way to enjoy a little bit of summer in the cold winter months. So fresh and healthy for the family.
2. I would have never tried kale and I have really enjoyed it.
3. I grew plants from seeds I would not have normally tried.
4. Learned how to and build raised beds. Wish I had started much sooner!
5. Tending to a garden helped me manage to stress of the pandemic
6. I so enjoyed having enough fresh basil to make pesto.