The 2012 ASHS Annual Conference

Many homeowners are concerned about the economy and have an increased interest in starting home-based vegetable gardens. In a series of workshops held in 2009, it was learned that half of the attendees had never gardened before. Those living in urban areas suffer from the misconception that they lack the required space to have a successful vegetable garden. Another obstacle facing new gardening homeowners is the perception that vegetable gardening is very labor intensive, especially for those with full time employment. Changing the vegetable garden paradigm is an opportunity to introduce non-conventional growing strategies and ideas to these home gardeners. Coastal Research and Extension Center has been actively involved in promoting small scale home vegetable gardens with the emphasis on reducing the perception of labor required. The goal is to help foster a pattern for successful growing and harvesting for the home gardener.