'HOME GROWN' GARDENING WORKSHOPS
Harris, A.S.1; Carroll, D.L.2; East, W.T.3; Kelley, M.J.4; Mitchell, C. C.5; Smith, K.P.61Regional Extension Agent, Alabama Cooperative Extension System, Dadeville, AL, 36853
2County Extension Agent, Alabama Cooperative Extension System, Opelika, AL, 36801
3Regional Extension Agent, Alabama Cooperative Extension System, Ashland, AL, 36251
4Regional Extension Agent, Alabama Cooperative Extension System, Wetumpka, AL, 36092
5Extension Agronomist, Alabama Cooperative Extension System, Auburn University, AL, 36849
6Home Grounds Team Co-leader, Alabama Cooperative Extension System, Auburn University, AL, 36849
Abstract:
In 2008 and 2009, there was a renewed interest in home gardening and a greater demand for information on growing fruits and vegetables. This movement may have been due to a down turn in the economy, higher food prices, demand for local grown produce, and desire to be self sustainable. The Alabama Cooperative Extension System responded by offering seasonal ‘Home Grown’ Gardening Workshops across the state in 2009 to educate beginner and experienced gardeners. Approximately 623 people representing 17 counties participated in these workshops. After the workshops, a post survey was mailed to the participants. When asked “as a result of attending the 2009 ‘Home Grown’ Workshop(s), which of the following did you do?”, - 52% started a home garden, 33% took a soil test, 37% built a raised bed garden, 11% installed drip irrigation, 31% adopted daily or weekly pest monitoring, 41% used less pesticides, 51% consumed more fruits and vegetables, 5% purchased a home pressure canner, 28% felt they saved money and lowered their food bill, 41% began composting, 58% added organic matter to their garden soil, and 34% purchased and broadcasted a fire ant bait product. The most significant response was that 69% of the participants told us they shared their knowledge or information with others. When asked, “How would you rate the value and importance of the Alabama Cooperative Extension System and its public educational programs, including the ‘Home Grown’ workshops?,” 183 participants out of the 183 surveys returned responded “Very High” to “High.”