Bibb Cooperative Extension to offer gardening tips, tricks

Do you want to learn more about growing a vegetable garden, pruning shrubs or growing a healthy lawn? How about getting clues as to why your hydrangea is looking droopy or do you want to add some pollinator plants to your yard? You have come to the right place! We are looking forward to this new journey with The Macon Melody, where we will be able to share tips to improve your gardening. 

Let me start by sharing a little about the ‘we’ that I mention. I work for Bibb County Cooperative Extension. Our job is to bring research-based information from the University of Georgia into local communities. Cooperative Extension, in existence for more than 100 years, is in each of the state’s 159 counties. Cooperative Extension looks different in every single county – shaped by local needs and support. In Bibb County, we are fortunate to have four areas of focus that offer programs across our county.

Our most recognizable program is the one that focuses on youth – our 4-H program. 4-H empowers students, touted as some of UGA’s youngest participants, to learn, discover and create through diverse activities. These range from public speaking to archery, environmental education at summer camps to livestock shows. Through programs such as these, 4-Hers grow into self-driven, confident leaders. 

Another impactful Bibb County Extension program is our Expanded Food and Nutrition Education (EFNEP) program. Our well-versed teachers travel Bibb and surrounding counties teaching teen and adult groups how to make healthy food choices while sticking to a budget. These are critical topics as food prices have risen in recent years and chronic health issues plague our community.

A third program area in Bibb County is Family and Consumer Sciences (FACS). This program covers issues related to healthy living and family development. We are currently a host site for the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, assisting residents with income tax preparation. Other financial programs include those pertaining to estate planning and financial literacy. Nutritious eating, healthy lifestyles, and food safety programs round out some of the major areas covered through Bibb County Extension.

Last, but not least, is our Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANR) program. In Macon, we look much different than in rural areas.  We answer homeowner horticulture questions, host training for the landscape industry and support small growers. Our staff and volunteers teach school gardening programs, lead the Gardens at Brookdale, offer a summer teacher camp, provide an adult environmental education program (Master Naturalists) and train volunteers in horticulture content to extend our reach (Master Gardeners). We are looking forward to introducing our program leaders and volunteers during the coming weeks.

In the meantime, if you have any questions for us, please call Bibb County Cooperative Extension at 478-751-6338 or email us at bibb.extension@uga.edu

Karol Kelly is the Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension Agent in Bibb County.  She is a proud Macon native and has served in this role since 2007.