All across the Mountain State, residents have shown a renewed interest in home gardening and growing some of their own food. With gardening season upon us but social distancing rules still in place, West Virginia University Extension Service faculty have had to develop creative, new ways to deliver knowledge and expertise to their local communities and beyond.
One example of that creativity is the virtual Spring Gardening Seminar that the WVU Extension Service office in Wood County will host on Thursday, May 14. For nearly 20 years, the Wood County Extension Master Gardeners have sponsored a gardening seminar and plant sale each spring. This year, the familiar seminar will still be available to home gardeners but through a webinar format instead.
The webinar will be both interactive and educational, covering topics focused on growing vegetables commonly found in home gardens, including beets, carrots, potatoes, greens, tomatoes and green beans. Topics will be presented by experts from WVU Extension Service, as well as producers from West Virginia farms.
Though he knew a traditional spring gardening seminar was out of the question, J.J. Barrett, WVU Extension Service agriculture and natural resources agent in Wood County, saw an opportunity for WVU Extension Service to continue helping home gardeners not only in Wood County, but throughout the state, by hosting the sessions virtually.
“Because of COVID-19 and the restrictions in place to help keep us safe, we are hosting a webinar this year instead of the usual seminar and plant sale. Although gardeners cannot gather together in-person, we can still share our ideas, knowledge and passion for gardening,” Barrett said. “We decided to focus this year’s speaker sessions on vegetable gardening in hopes of inspiring people to grow more of their own food. After all, nothing tastes better than homegrown.”
Those who are interested in participating may register at extension.wvu.edu/wood. Participants will be provided with information about how to join the webinar after registering. The webinar is free and open to the public. Participants of all ages are welcome; no previous gardening experience is required.
For more information about the webinar, contact J.J. Barrett at jj.barrett@mail.wvu.edu or 304-424-1960.
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hb/05/06/20
CONTACT: Hannah Booth
Communications Specialist
WVU Extension Service
304-293-8701;
hannah.booth@mail.wvu.edu