News

  1. Ohio SNAP-Ed Update

    Dec. 01, 2025

    Federal funding for SNAP-Ed ended Sept 30, 2025. In Ohio, SNAP-Ed programming continued through Nov. 12. Contact your local Extension office to find out what similar programs might be available in your area. You can also visit celebrateyourplate.org for recipes and other online tools.

  2. Office Closed

    Dec. 17, 2025

    The Ohio State University will be closed December 24, 2025 - January 1, 2026. We look forward to spending time with our family and friends and observing the university’s winter academic recess. Thanks to our community partners, volunteers, and 4-H members for a great 2025. We look forward to connecting with in early 2026!

  3. Learn to Grow Fresh Vegetables Year-Round with Home Hydroponics

    Dec. 10, 2025

    You have an exciting opportunity to discover the secrets of growing fresh vegetables indoors all year long. Home hydroponics—a method that allows plants to thrive without soil—has become increasingly popular for those seeking a continuous supply of fresh produce, 24/7/365. On Tuesday, January 13, 2026, join Dr. Tim McDermott for an engaging class on the basics of hydroponics and how you can start your own indoor garden. The session will run from 6:00 to 7:00 PM at Wells Barn in Franklin Park Conservatory.

  4. Growing Over Winter: Learn to Harvest Fresh Produce in the Coldest Months

    Oct. 14, 2025

    Ohio’s four-season growing environment offers opportunities for fresh produce all year long—including winter! If you're curious about how to grow and harvest vegetables outdoors in January or February, we invite you to attend an informative class titled “Growing Over Winter.” This session will be taught by Tim McDermott, DVM, Assistant Professor and Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator with Franklin County Extension. He will share practical techniques for successful winter gardening, tailored to Ohio’s climate.

  5. Dinner and a Show - High Tunnel 101

    Aug. 28, 2025

     

    Highland Youth Garden is welcoming neighbors, families, and gardening enthusiasts to a special evening of community connection and agricultural education on Thursday, September 4, 2025.

    The event begins with a Community Dinner from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., offering guests a chance to enjoy a shared meal in the warm and welcoming atmosphere of the garden. It’s a perfect opportunity to meet fellow community members and celebrate the spirit of urban gardening.

  6. Victory Garden Seeds: Not available in 2025

    Apr. 17, 2025

    We'd like to share a quick update on the Ohio Victory Gardens program. The Ohio Department of Agriculture has paused the program; therefore, we will not have seeds to distribute this year. Our apologies in advance for any disappointment this may cause. We are pleased to share that there are a few seed libraries around Franklin County. Enter "free garden seeds near me" in your internet browser's search. 

  7. Join us for The Plate and Beyond

    Feb. 12, 2025

    Join the OSU Extension, Live Healthy Live Well team as they provide a March, National Nutrition Month, Webinar Series. Four weeks of webinars covering the basics, food and friends/family, food and travel, and the importance of nutrition at every stage of life. Please visit here for more information.

  8. 4-H Winter Project Fair

    Jan. 23, 2025

    Calling all 4-H families and families interested in joining 4-H! Franklin County 4-H's Winter Project Fair is only weeks away. This event is a great opportunity for 4-H members to explore project opportunities or for new families that are interested in joining 4-H. Lots of 4-H project displays and activities will keep participants engaged.

  9. Backyard Poultry Online Certificate Course

    Jan. 07, 2025

    As we are entering 2025, we are approaching not only chick season, but we are getting our first positive detections of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza.  Tim McDermott, Agriculture and Natural Resources educator/Assistant Professor, created a Backyard Poultry Online Certificate Course to assist new to seasoned poultry keepers navigate the process of keeping healthy flocks.  This also satisfies multiple city and municipality requirements for keeping backyard poultry. The course is self-paced and super cheep at only $25.  You may view more information at 

  10. Mindful Wellness Series for Dementia Caregivers

    Dec. 19, 2024

    Caregivers give so much of themselves that, sometimes, they struggle with caring for themselves. Join OSU Extension Educator Jenny Lobb to learn about mindfulness and coping with stress, and to gain tips and strategies for mindful living.

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