The Latest Dirt - September 2024

Growing Gardeners See Significant Growth

By Vicki Lee

The CoCoMG Growing Gardeners Program has grown significantly in the last three years, registering 566 participants. This impressive number highlights the increasing interest in vegetable gardening across Contra Costa County. However, not everyone completes the entire four-class series, as some realize that successful gardening requires more effort and dedication than they initially expected. Despite this, many participants gain enough knowledge to become successful gardeners, with some even pursuing UC Master Gardener Training.

The GG Team has continuously refined its approach, learning that summer courses are less effective due to participant distractions and the volunteers’ own summer activities. This insight has helped streamline the program, ensuring that the time commitment of UC Master Gardener volunteers is used effectively.

The program covers evaluating gardening sites, selecting and planting vegetables, building healthy soil, utilizing beneficial insects, and efficient irrigation practices. The program’s handbook, adapted from the LA Victory Garden Program, underpins the course, and videos of each class are available online.

The program’s success can be attributed to the vision and leadership of Darlene DeRose, who initiated Growing Gardners in 2018 and managed it through 2019. Monika Witte stepped up in 2020 and led the transition to virtual learning during the pandemic. Under Monika’s leadership, Zoom classes significantly increased participation, with attendance rising from 24 in-person attendees to 60 online.

Since 2022, Growing Gardeners has been co-led by Ann Ramirez and Ann Howard (who retired in mid-2024). Ann continues to expand online resources and develop new ways to engage UC Master Gardener Trainees. The program remains flexible and responsive to the needs of beginning gardeners, offering a comprehensive curriculum that covers essential gardening topics.

Staffing three Zoom classes requires a Host, several Instructors, a Q/A Compiler, and Tech Support. The instructors prepare their lessons or revise one that another volunteer prepares. If an Instructor is unavailable, the class can view a Vimeo recording, but this is quite rare. Gloria Choi does a stellar job of lining up the staff. One of those outstanding staff members is Annette Abbot. She serves in three capacities: Host, Pollinator Instructor, and Information Resources Instructor. Not only is she a brilliant host and instructor, but she is also invaluable as she teaches each of these topics in each new class.

A shout out to the CoCoMGs who regularly turn out for the one In-Person class at Our Garden: Kurt Larson or Greg Letts (Bed Preparation), Billi Haug (Composting), Lori Palmquist and Steve Carter (Irrigation), Jana Multhaup and Susan Miller (Family Bed), and Stephen Guglielmana, Ann Ramirez, and Lawrence Moglia (logistics).

If you’re interested in broadening your volunteer hours, either working from home or interacting directly with the public, contact Ann Ramirez at annfr2@yahoo.com. She will invite you to the next Growing Gardeners Team Zoom meeting or to observe a GG class.