Kentucky State University Cooperative Extension’s Home Grower Support Program brings 19 growers together for hands-on training

 

Turning mint into tea, calendula into salve and basil into infused oil, 19 home growers learned how to transform common herbs into everyday food and wellness products during a “Growing Herbs for Food and Medicine” workshop held Oct. 18 at Kentucky State University’s West Louisville Extension Office.

Now in its third session since launching in June, the Home Grower Support Program (HGSP) blends classroom instruction with hands-on practice to help home gardeners, small-scale growers and community groups boost productivity and adopt sustainable methods that strengthen local food systems.

Guided by Dr. Alhagie K. Cham, an urban horticulture Extension and research scientist with Kentucky State University’s Cooperative Extension Program, participants worked through soil health, water management, pest pressures and harvesting techniques tailored to Kentucky’s climate — then put those lessons into practice through demonstrations.

Container and raised-bed strategies took center stage as Extension horticulturist Arnold Katende shared practical ways to maximize small spaces and extend the growing season in urban settings.

A make-and-take activity capped the day as Linelle N. Rivera Rodríguez, Extension associate in organic agriculture, demonstrated teas, infused oils and simple salves — underscoring both household utility and value-added possibilities for micro-entrepreneurs.

“Workshops like this empower residents to grow their own herbs, explore their culinary and medicinal value, and strengthen local food systems through self-reliance and collaboration,” Cham said.

“Programs like the Home Grower Support Program reflect what Cooperative Extension is here to do — meet people where they are with research-based, practical education that strengthens households, neighborhoods and local food systems,” said Dr. Tyrell Kahan, associate Extension administrator. “From Louisville to communities across the Commonwealth, we’re committed to helping growers build skills and confidence they can put to work right away.”

Since June, HGSP participation and impact have continued to grow. Each workshop offers free resources, seeds and one-on-one guidance from Extension specialists, and the program is open to learners at every experience level.

About the Home Grower Support Program (HGSP)
The HGSP is a Kentucky State University Cooperative Extension initiative offering seasonal workshops that help Kentuckians produce healthy food, adopt sustainable practices, and connect with local networks that support resilient, community-based food systems.

About Kentucky State University Cooperative Extension
Part of the College of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources, Kentucky State University’s Cooperative Extension Program delivers research-based, practical education to individuals and communities across the Commonwealth as Kentucky’s 1890 land-grant university.