First Lady Jane Beshear's Communications Office
First Lady Jane Beshear and Commissioner James Comer Launch Ready, Set, Grow Initiative

Joint effort provides “A Kid’s Guide to Gardening” in Kentucky

FRANKFORT, Ky. – First Lady Jane Beshear and Agriculture Commissioner James Comer recently launched Ready, Set, Grow: A Kid’s Guide to  Gardening - a joint initiative by the Kentucky Department of Agriculture and the Governor’s Office of Agricultural Policy. This project includes an interactive guide and website to promote growing and/or buying local food.

The announcement took place at the Kentucky Exposition Center’s Governor’s Garden, which is one of six Governor’s Gardens located across the Commonwealth. Kerrick Elementary students were on hand to receive the guides from First Lady Beshear and Commissioner Comer, as well as, receive hands-on experience in harvesting and planting of the garden.

“I am delighted to assist students of all ages plant their own gardens by lending my support to the Ready, Set, Grow initiative,” said First Lady Beshear. “Working with the Department of Agriculture on this project is a perfect partnership for the Governor’s Garden Program, which seeks to educate the public about the health and economic benefits of community gardening and locally grown foods.”

Ready, Set, Grow is a part of the Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s education initiatives. The project shows that anyone can grow a garden, even if on a small patio. It features examples on how to grow gardens and ways to cultivate seed varieties in to mature plants.  Additionally, it provides students with a planting and harvesting guide as well as an activity section to maintain interactive learning.

“This guide will teach students to appreciate the importance of where your food comes from by showing them how to grow a garden, but also how to take care of it once it begins growing,” said Commissioner Comer. “As a consumer, making smart food choices for your family is very important, whether it’s growing a garden or buying Kentucky Proud local products.”

To learn more about the Ready, Set, Grow initiative or to download the guide visit www.kyproud.com/readysetgrow/ or contact Kristen Branscum with the Kentucky Department of Agriculture at (502) 564-4983.

To learn more about the Governor’s Garden program visit www.greenteam.ky.gov/garden/ or contact Angela Blank with the Governor’s Office of Agricultural Policy at (502) 564-4627.

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