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Missoula County extension agents outline gardening, cooking and outreach programs on commissioners' podcast
Summary
On The Agenda, Commissioner Josh Slotnick interviewed Missoula County horticulture extension agent Sarah Holden and family and consumer sciences agent Kelly Moore about Master Gardener training, monthly Gardening in Montana sessions, pop‑up plant clinics (May 12 in Lolo and East Missoula) and expanded fair exhibits.
On The Agenda with the Missoula County commissioners, Commissioner Josh Slotnick hosted Sarah Holden, Missoula County horticulture extension agent, and Kelly Moore, the county's family and consumer sciences extension agent, to describe hands‑on programs that link local gardening with cooking and nutrition education.
"We basically take science based information that has been researched at the land grant university and we extend it into our communities," Holden said, summarizing the county's role in carrying Montana State University Extension research into local programs. The pair discussed how extension programming supports home gardeners, food preservation and public engagement at the Rocky Mountain Gardens and in the county teaching kitchen.
Kelly Moore said family and consumer sciences covers broad household needs and provides classes on cooking and nutrition. "I think it's kind of important to start cooking with your kids," Moore said, describing regular classes that include a monthly "Confidence in the Kitchen" series, the bimonthly "Young Chefs" program for preschoolers through about age 12 and occasional guest‑chef workshops such as upcoming bagel and pizza classes.
Holden described horticulture offerings that include a staffed plant clinic to identify pests and plant problems, and MontGuides — free, research‑based resources for residents. She also detailed the Master Gardener volunteer certification: a 10‑week course with roughly 2½ hours per week of training that prepares volunteers to run outreach booths, school plantings and community projects.
The extension team announced a new one‑hour series, "Gardening in Montana," offered once a month with noon and evening sessions and a $5 fee. Holden also said pop‑up plant clinics will visit rural areas and confirmed two May 12 clinics in Lolo and East Missoula, with plans to reach Bonner, Clinton, Frenchtown and Seeley Lake/Condon communities.
Speakers encouraged county residents to enter produce and agricultural exhibits in the Missoula County fair, noting the fair season will be slightly longer this year and that extension staff serve as superintendents for many agriculture exhibits. Holden urged people to bring garlic, onions or other homegrown items to the open class and to use the county seed library to engage youth.
Holden recommended the book Dirt to Soil to listeners interested in regenerative practices, and Moore highlighted research on Blue Zones and Mediterranean‑style diets when discussing healthy eating. For practical tips, Holden suggested starting small with square‑foot gardens, engaging children with a dedicated container or plot, and attending demonstrations at the Rocky Mountain Gardens.
For details on classes, schedules and event registration, Holden directed listeners to missoulaeduplace.org. The episode closed with production credits to Missoula Community Access Television (MCAT) and a reminder to email communications@missoulacounty.us for future topics or questions.
