With temperatures hovering into the teens it is hard to envision the subject I want to talk about today; that is gardening. Yes, you heard me right. There are actually two applications I want to share information with you about so that we can put our sights on warmer weather activities.
The Kansas Community Garden Project is administered by K-State Research and Extension and funded through a grant from the Kansas Health Foundation. The goals of the project are to increase public and private value of our communities through the development of new community gardens in Kansas. Seed money for 60 gardens in the next three years is the goal of the program. Applicants will be required to show how the gardens will: benefit the community, incorporate sustainable practices, include project partners, and implement measures to ensure the long-term financial sustainability and continuation of these new community gardens.
The grant application is due by January 15th so time is of the essence to put a plan together. The clear and primary focus of these gardens is to increase and expand access to healthy fresh foods. However, gardens may incorporate a secondary focus such as recreation, wildlife protection, etc. The grant could provide funds for tools, equipment, water line installation, irrigation equipment, raised beds, or soil improvement materials. New gardens may ask for a maximum of $5000. For more information about this project give me a call.
Another program that has announced its training dates is the Master Gardener Program. Any Barton County resident who has a high school diploma and has a broad interest in horticulture may apply. The sessions for 2013 will be held on Tuesdays, beginning February 5th through March 26th, from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the Ellis County Extension Office meeting room, in Hays.
Upon completion of the eight week training, Master Gardener Trainees are asked to complete 40 hours of volunteer work with Extension Agent-approved projects by the end of 2013. Continuation as a Master Gardener in good standing requires completion of 8 hours of Advanced Master Gardener training and a minimum of 20 volunteer hours annually.
Anyone interested in applying to participate in the 2013 Master Gardener Program may call or stop by our office for an application. They are due by mid-January.
 Donna Krug is the family and consumer science agent with K-State Research and Extension – Barton County. She can be reached at 620-)793-1910 or dkrug@ksu.edu.