"From the Ground Up "

Summary

Issues of food security and nutrition have wide reaching implications for people, and their environments, particularly in low and middle-income parts of Cobb County. One proposed solution is urban gardening, which has been widely upheld as a solution to the food-crisis facing metropolitan populations, such as food deserts in metro Atlanta. Urban gardening in the metro area is believed to provide the urban population with food and a source of potential income, whilst improving the urban environment.

Situation

Cobb Extension gets a large number of calls from homeowners looking for information about gardening and agriculture in general. People are becoming more interested in fresh fruit and vegetables on their table, and are looking for knowledge about garden creation, participation in urban gardens, offsetting pest pressure, and best management practices for urban gardens.

Response

Cobb County Extension created a 4-phase training program: From the Ground Up. Provided education on building raised beds, measurements, soil testing, site selection, sun access, etc. What to plant, when to plant. Provided information on best varieties to plant in each season, spring, summer and fall, the production cycle, and management. When Bad Things Happen to Good Plants. Explained what gardeners need to know about disease management, insect pressure, best watering techniques, sun access, fertilization etc. Into the Kitchen. Provided training on good agricultural practices, such as the best time to harvest, how to harvest, food safety, storage and utilization of produce in kitchens.

Impact

92% of participants considered they learned something new in the program. 2. 84% of participants agreed that the new Knowledge will improve their vegetable production in their own gardens. 3. Over 60% of respondents reported they will be scouting their gardens for pests or diseases mentioned in the training that they would not otherwise have been looking for. 4. 84% of participants indicated that the training helped them to improve their skills in crop nutrient management, plant nutrition and cultural practices. 5. An attendee who liked the program very much decided to apply for the Master Gardener program in Cobb County. She said the experience of the 4-phase training was unique and very rewarding for her because she learned so much about gardening, and she planned to build her own raised bed as a result.

State Issue

Agricultural Profitability and Sustainability

Details

• Year: 2016
• Geographic Scope: County
• County: Cobb
• Program Areas:
  • Agriculture & Natural Resources

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Extension Impact