Advancing Gardening Skills in Broadwater County
Extension Education
Allison Kosto
Extension Agent
Montana State University
Townsend
Abstract
In response to a county identified need for advanced level gardening skills, MSU Extension Broadwater County Agent, Allison Kosto, developed an Advanced Gardening Course. The program targeted experienced gardeners and Master Gardeners. Topics in the Advanced Gardening Course included native plants, season extension methods, plant propagation and advanced plant growth. Classes were conducted in the spring of 2024, combining classroom instruction with hands-on activities. A second component of the program took place during the summer, focusing on advanced garden and tree integrated pest management. This session featured a pest scavenger hunt, pocket gopher trapping and demonstration of systemic pesticides for aphid management in fruit trees.
Program evaluation revealed 100% of participants gained new knowledge as a result of the program, and 91.7% of participants indicated intent to change behavior as a result of the program. Planned changes included implementing plant propagation techniques, adopting season extension methods, incorporating more native plants into landscapes, and improving general gardening skills such as seed selection and seed-starting techniques.
Participants in the summer class gained practical experience with pest identification, control methods and management thresholds. A notable outcome was a significant increase in knowledge among attendees. During the class, a pocket gopher was trapped, and participants were able to see damage and dirt mounds caused by the gopher. No one in the class had ever seen a pocket gopher. One person in the class said, "I always thought I had voles. Now I realize I actually have pocket gophers."
Another participant shared, "I have NEVER seen that many pests in real life. It was a good exercise to go around and see what our sleuthing skills came up with but then go a second time and have you show us what we missed or should have been looking for. I have a whole new appreciation for diagnosing pests and much more foundation on where to start looking. Plus the pesticide application demo made me realize I don't think nearly enough about options for treating issues.
Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC
This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.
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Authors: Allison Kosto
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Kosto, A. Extension Agent, Montana State University, Montana, 59644