By Blake Jackson
Many residents across New York State are interested in growing their own food, but face challenges such as limited knowledge, lack of training, and difficulty accessing resources. To address these issues, programs like Seed to Supper have been introduced through Extension offices and partner organizations. These programs focus on teaching beginner gardeners how to grow food using simple and affordable methods.
To further strengthen this initiative, Cornell Cooperative Extension launched the Resilient Gardens Project. This project was designed to improve Seed to Supper programs by identifying effective teaching methods and creating useful tools for educators and participants. The project gathered feedback from learners and educators, which highlighted the need for hands-on training, simple learning materials, and better coordination with community groups.
As part of the response, 57 Hands-On Activity Kits were distributed to support teaching. These kits included materials and guides on important topics such as soil preparation, seed starting, composting, pest management, herb drying, and container gardening. These ready-to-use kits made it easier for educators and volunteers to teach without needing to prepare materials from scratch.
Training workshops were also organized to help educators learn practical teaching methods. Over three years, 150 educators participated in these sessions, gaining confidence in delivering hands-on lessons. Conferences and events further helped participants connect, share ideas, and learn new skills. Social media campaigns and training videos were also used to reach more people and spread useful gardening knowledge.
The project has shown strong results. The number of participants growing their own food increased from 862 to over 2,021, showing significant growth. After completing the program, a large percentage of participants reported growing food and improving their diet. Many also felt more connected to their communities through shared gardening activities.
This initiative highlights the importance of education, community support, and practical learning in promoting food security. For more information on similar programs.
The Resilient Gardens Project continues to play a vital role in encouraging sustainable gardening practices and strengthening local food systems across New York.
Photo Credit: pexels-greta-hoffman
Categories: New York, Education, General