What is Intensive Gardening? Intensive gardening is a gardening method in which one plants a small garden in such a way that maximizes one’s harvest. Why use it? "The purpose of gardening intensively is to harvest the most produce possible from a given space." This method saves time, money, and space. It is perfect
Our participants had a great time learning about small-scale farming at the Eastern Kentucky Farmer Conference! The third annual Eastern Kentucky Farmer Conference was held on February 22 and 23 at the University of Kentucky’s Robinson Center in Jackson, KY. Five of our site’s Grow Appalachia participants received scholarships to attend. These participants want to
It may still be winter, but it’s never too early to start thinking about spring gardening classes! As we look forward to warmer days ahead, we’re studying up on garden planning, planting, and maintenance so we can spread that knowledge throughout and beyond the Grow Appalachia community. For our first Grow Appalachia meeting of the
The wind is blowing, the snow is falling, the plants are growing... Wait, the plants are growing? During the winter, you can grow delicious early-season vegetables and get a head start on your spring garden. Here's a month-by-month rundown of winter planning and planting. January is the time to plan this year’s garden. Start by
After a summer of gardening and an autumn of preserving, the Hindman Settlement School’s Grow Appalachia participants are ready to celebrate the holidays eating their own organic, home-grown food. We celebrated the end of a successful growing season with our annual Grow Appalachia holiday potluck. Participants braved the first snow of the year to share
What a harvest! Our Grow Appalachia participants harvested over 20,000 lbs. of organic produce this year to feed their families and fuel their businesses. For four years, the Hindman Settlement School has been proud to partner with Grow Appalachia to provide our community with gardening and healthy living classes as well as seeds, tools, and
Soil erosion can destroy your garden. Erosion is the process by which wind and water remove soil from an area. A typical soil is composed of topsoil and subsoil. The topsoil is typically fertile and friable whereas the subsoil is typically infertile and hard. Most plants only grow in the topsoil. The deeper the topsoil
When the crops lay heavy and ready to harvest, it can only mean one thing: it's time for the Hindman Settlement School’s annual canning class! Local master canner Bonita Adams and her daughter Liberty Campbell taught a class of Grow Appalachia participants water-bath, pressure, and cold canning techniques. Grow Appalachia participants at the Hindman
What a month it has been! I’ve been traveling all over Eastern Kentucky visiting the beautiful gardens of our Grow Appalachia participants. If there is one thing I’ve learned this month, it’s that the people of Eastern Kentucky are serious when it comes to their beans. Varieties Growing up, I thought all green beans were
I’m Ali Hintz, the new Community Agriculture VISTA at the Hindman Settlement School. I’ll be working this year to expand our Grow Appalachia program as well as the Knott County Farmers Market. I’m writing while sitting on a not-yet-unpacked moving box in my new apartment perched on the cliff over Troublesome Creek. I just moved
