For the second year in a row over 40 children at the Seeds of Hope, Harvest of Pride Community Garden received weekly training from Master Gardeners and the Hopkins County Extension Agent for Horticulture on IPM techniques such as site selection, soil preparation, resistant varieties, proper watering and fertilizing techniques, weeding and sanitation, and monitoring, as well as general gardening training.

This year the garden was expanded to also include small fruits and tree fruits. The community garden is a joint effort of the Hopkins County Cooperative Extension Service, Hopkins County Master Gardener Association and Madisonville Housing Authority.

The most heavily stressed IPM concept taught this year was beneficial insects. Dr. Ric Bessin, Extension Entomologist, taught a beneficial insect identification session with the children. He also provided technical assistance to the agent on IPM techniques to employ in the garden. The children can identify ladybugs and understand their role as predatory insects. The children also understand that bees are important for pollination. Children were also video taped explaining the concept of allowing parasitized tomato hornworms to remain in the garden.

The garden was funded primarily by the KY IPM grant but was also financially supported by the City of Madisonville, the Hopkins County Extension Service, and private donations plus over 300 Master Gardener volunteer hours. The 1122 square foot garden has had zero pounds of pesticides applied to it. According to a formula developed by the USDA and the National Gardening Association the 1122 sq. ft. garden produced $1963.50 worth of produce for a two year total of $4147.50. In addition to the dollar value of the produce, the children and parents have free, fresh vegetables available for consumption. There have been environmental and social benefits of the community garden and related activities. For example, there is a minimal amount of litter in the garden compared to the surrounding area. In addition the pesticide-free garden beautifies a once vacant lot.

For additional information on this project contact: Amy Fulcher Hopkins County Extension Agent for Horticulture P.O. Box 450 Madisonville, KY 42431-0450 afulcher@uky.edu