Master Gardener Spotlight: Jeff Ford

 

Jeff has been with the UCCE San Bernardino County Master Gardener program since 2019, and he has always been great at brainstorming outreach, but it was the “worm window” where I first became aware of his genius!  Through our planning meetings for an upcoming Master Gardener event in the high desert Jeff had an idea for how we could share the world of the vermicomposting worms with the public and this is when I knew that Jeff really had a unique and wonderful way at looking at education! I don't want to give away all the details since I think you should see it for yourself to get the full effect, but basically, he set up a viewing window in a small container to be able to see the worm up close in its semi natural habitat.

 

When it comes to sharing Master Gardeners' love of gardening with an eye on a scientific message, there are often a lot of logistics that need to be sorted through, and Jeff has a great capacity and interest in doing just that. He is wonderful at working through the details of how to create interesting displays and sharing information that really speaks to the topic, but is also fun and exciting. I can see the engagement and wonder on people's faces when he works Master Gardener information tables and makes presentations because he always includes that fun and hands on element!

 

Jeff is also a strong advocate for small space gardening and does some amazing things himself at home in his growing space that he is able to share with people and let them know that they can do it too.  Jeff has been invaluable at planning meetings bringing many new ideas to the program on outreach and ways to share our gardening information with all of you. I look forward to all the innovations that Jeff will continue to bring to our program!  Here is a little more on Jeff that he has shared with us.         

 

Thank you, Jeff, for all you do as a UCCE Master Gardener in the high desert and beyond!

 

                                                            -Maggie O'Neill, Master Gardener Program Coordinator

 

Tell us a little about yourself.

 

I live in Apple Valley which is in the Mojave Desert, I work in education, and I have been a UCCE Master Gardener since 2019. I find it challenging to garden not only in the desert, but also in a small space.

 

 

Why did you decide to be a UCCE Master Gardener?

 

I became a Master Gardener volunteer to improve my gardening skills through the training program. I also wanted to inspire people to grow vegetables or other plants wherever they live. For instance, someone without a yard may still be able to grow some herbs, succulents, or possibly even small vegetables if they have a window that gets a lot of sun. 

 

 

What are your gardening passions?

 

I like to grow edible plants, such as vegetables and herbs, along with a few native or water-wise plants to keep the pollinators happy. In addition, I have been growing houseplants for many years. I grow most of my plants in containers and some in the windows.

 

 

What is a tidbit or two you've learned as a UCCE Master Gardener that the public reading our newsletter could gain from?

 

If you are having a garden challenge, someone else has probably had the same issue and it is good to know that you are not alone. Also, if you have pests in the garden, it is important to correctly identify them. Then, the proper control methods can be used at the correct time to manage the pests.

 

 

What advice would you give someone considering becoming a UCCE Master Gardener?

 

Anyone that is considering becoming a UCCE Master Gardener should be aware that there is a volunteer component to the program. After completing the required training, UCCE Master Gardeners are required to complete a certain number of volunteer and continuing education hours annually to maintain their certifications. Volunteering with the public allows a Master Gardener to not only provide information to the public, but also to meet and learn from others who are gardening in their county.

 

 Note:  The attached garden photos are another one of Jeff's talents! They are taken by Jeff of his garden, and showcases another talent of his, photography!