Garden to Table: Effective Home Gardening to Promote Healthy Living
Horticulture & Turfgrass
Abigail Smith
Commercial & Environmental Horticulture
University of Florida
Sneads
Abstract
In Jackson County, there is a high interest among the residential community in producing sustainable herb and vegetable gardens and connecting the harvest directly to healthier home cooked meals. There is also an economically motivated desire to grow food at home to achieve cost savings and to counter the periodic food shortages at local grocery stores. The workshop titled “Garden to Table” was created for the residents of Jackson County, Florida who were interested in growing fruit, vegetables, and/or herbs and using the produce to create safe, healthy, economical meals at home. The purpose of the workshop is to focus on best seasonal gardening practices, understanding the Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Principle #1 Right Plant, Right Place, cooking with herbs and vegetables grown at home, and following safe food-handling and preservation methods. From 2021 through February 2025, the Horticulture and FCS Agents partnered to offer a 3-part workshop series each fall and spring. Each class was designed and delivered with informational PowerPoint presentations, food tastings, and hands-on demonstrations. Participants receive seeds, planting trays, and/or small transplant vegetables, as well as educational materials and resources related to the produce they would be growing, harvesting, and preserving or eating. 351 participants were recorded over 15 workshops and of the 352 participants, 328 responded to a post-program survey for a 93% response rate. 321 of 326 (98%) reported they gained knowledge through their attendance. 320 of 326 (98%) participants reported intent on utilizing their knowledge gain.195 of 287 (68%) planned to grow one or more fruits, herbs, and/or vegetables they had not grown before. 139 of 287 (48%) planned to use more vegetables when cooking to make healthier meals. 110 of 169 (65%) planned to garden at home for the physical and/or mental health benefits.
Authors: Abigail Smith, Terri Keith, Ashley Stonecipher
-
Abigail Smith Commercial & Environmental Horticulture, UF/IFAS Extension, Florida, 32460
-
Terri Keith Family & Consumer Science Agent, UF/IFAS Extension, Florida, 32448
-
Ashley Stonecipher Agriculture & Food Systems, UF/IFAS Extension, Florida, 32114