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Growing Knowledge, Cultivating Communities: The Victory Garden Hybrid Programming in North Central Idaho

Horticulture & Turfgrass

Klae O'Brien
Extension Educator
University of Idaho
Nezperce

Abstract

With growing interest in garden and self-sufficiency, north central Idaho residents have long relied on University of Idaho Extension’s garden and horticulture programming to enhance their knowledge and skillset. However, geographic isolation and limited resources have made it difficult to provide high-quality, comprehensive programming in these rural counties. Five UI Extension offices have collaborated to offer hybrid Victory Garden Series, bridging the gap in access to experts and horticulture education. The 2025 Victory Garden Series was a low cost, six-week course that included topics of site planning, soil health, fertilization, seed starting, garden management, harvesting, and storage. UI Extension personnel and other topic experts have been able to present at one location while using video conferencing to reach the other locations, ensuring that all participants have access to the programming. Attendees can access valuable information, while avoiding the financial or geographic challenges of bringing experts to the area. By combining in-person and virtual formats, this programming has reached 95 participants across Latah, Nez Perce, Clearwater, Lewis, and Idaho counties. For one county, it marks the first gardening programming in over 20 years. For another, programming returns after a four-year hiatus, and in other counties it provided an opportunity for community engagement and networking. This programming shows the dedication of UI Extension personnel to collaborate across county lines to promote accessibility and resource sharing in rural communities. The unique format of this program ensures that residents in rural, underserved communities can have access to the tools, expertise, and resources needed to enhance their garden and horticulture knowledge and connect them to research backed information from University of Idaho. Once this programming concludes, we will conduct exit evaluations to assess the impact and identify future needs. The Victory Garden Series will be offered every other year, with content specifically tailored to current needs and interest to best serve rural Idaho communities.  

Authors: Klae O'Brien, Audra Cochran, Meranda Small, Danielle Evans, Ember Powell, Stephanie Corbit
  1. Klae O'Brien Extension Educator, University of Idaho Extension, Idaho, 83543
  2. Audra Cochran Extension Educator, University of Idaho Extension, Idaho, 83544
  3. Meranda Small Extension Educator, University of Idaho Extension, Idaho, 83530
  4. Danielle Evans Horticulture Associate, University of Idaho Extension, Idaho, 83501
  5. Ember Powell Office and Program Manager, University of Idaho Extension, Idaho, 83843
  6. Stephanie Corbit Office Manager, Idaho County, Idaho, 83530