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'HOME GROWN' GARDENING WORKSHOPS

Extension Education

A. Shane Harris
County Extension Coordinator
Alabama Cooperative Extension System
Dadeville

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.”

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: A.S. Harris, D.L. Carroll, W.T. East, C. C. Mitchell, K.P. Smith, M.J. Kelley
  1. Harris, A. Regional Extension Agent, Alabama Cooperative Extension System, Alabama, 36853
  2. Carroll, D. County Extension Agent, Alabama Cooperative Extension System, Alabama, 36801
  3. East, W. Regional Extension Agent, Alabama Cooperative Extension System, Alabama, 36251
  4. Mitchell, C. Extension Agronomist, Alabama Cooperative Extension System, Alabama, 36849
  5. Smith, K. Home Grounds Team Co-leader, Alabama Cooperative Extension System, Alabama, 36849
  6. Kelley, M. Regional Extension Agent, Alabama Cooperative Extension System, Alabama, 36092