Impact Report
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Title | Urban Garden - City Gardener Program 02-553E
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Impact Summary |
What gardening practice did City Gardener Program participants change? One Marion County gardener said "Almost everything. I did practically everything wrong."
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Issue
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At the suggestion of the Marion County Extension Board a survey was generated and distributed to gauge interest in a basic gardening program. The City Gardener Program was developed when 47% of survey respondents indicated they were "very interested" and an additional 47% indicated they were "somewhat interested" in a beginning gardening class.
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What was done
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Two Marion County Extension Educators developed the City Gardener Program for beginning gardeners with a focus on gardening in urban areas. The Program consisted of 6 two hour educational presentations and a 3 hour volunteer day at the White River Gardens applying what was learned in class. The educational presentations included demonstrations and the topics were: Soil, Fertilizer and Compost; Insect and Plant Disease Management; Tools, Vegetables and Weed Control; Trees and Shrubs; Flowers; Lawn Care and Animal Damage Management. Each participant received a reference notebook containing outlines of each presentation and supporting publications. Two guest speakers also participated.
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Impact
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(02-553E) Fifteen people successfully completed the City Gardener Program and took a pre-test and post-test. They also completed surveys at the end of the program.- The average increase from pre-test to post-test score was 33 percent.- 100 percent of respondents said yes to, Do you think you will be a better gardener as a result of attending this program?- 100 percent of respondents said yes to, Is there a practice you will change because of this program?- Practices respondents intend to change include: 1) "Take time to prepare areas before planting. Fertilize at proper times" 2) "Pay careful attention to lawn fertilization. Pay careful attention to timing on disease and pest control. Oh yes- test my soil!" 3) "Almost everything. I did practically everything wrong."- General comments about the program included: 1) "I thought it was very informative. I'm glad we received good references for future use and in case I decide to try something different each year." 2) "Best bargain for an amateur gardener in town." 3) "Well organized and presented."
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Cooperators
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Purdue Consumer Horticulturist Mary Welch-Keesey, Advanced Master Gardener Jo Ellen Meyers Sharp, White River Gardens
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