The Franklin County Conservation District has set aside local cost share funds for Constructed Raised Garden Beds, Rain Barrels, Compost Bins, Pollinator Gardens and Beehives.

Raised Beds are great for growing small plots of vegetables or flowers.  They prevent soil compaction, provide good drainage, and serve as a barrier to pests and pathway weeds.  Gardening in containers or raised beds can be just the answer gardeners who would like to grow their own vegetables and flowers but lack the space or physical ability for a traditional garden.

Rain barrels are an effective way to manage storm-water runoff and reduce the amount of pollutants that end up in the waterways; as well as reduce the demand on municipal water supplies because the water they store can be used for watering flowers, gardens and lawns. 

Compost bins are a great way to decrease the amount of yard trimmings and food waste going into landfills.  Compost is a soil conditioner made up of decomposed organic material; it improves the soil’s physical condition and fertility, and as a result improves aeration, root penetration, and water infiltration.

Pollinator Gardens – support pollinators by supplying shelter, food and a water source to attract them to a specific area.  Regardless of their size, a pollinator garden will impact our crops and assist with fruit and vegetable production.  These need to be planted from April to June.  You can use seeds/plants that are annual and perennials. 

Beehives – Bees area valuable animal and resource that pollinates many of our crops.  Bee keeping is one way to aid in the health and sustainability of honeybees.

The Conservation District will provide cost share to construct raised garden beds, rain barrels, compost bins, pollinator gardens and beehives. It will be limited to 1 application per household per year.  The signups will begin August 1, 2023, and go to August 31, 2024.  There is a limited amount of funds set aside for this program and will be on a first come first served basis.

Receipts must be turned in by August 31, 2024.

How this program works:

• Franklin County Residents are eligible.
• Households are limited to one application.
• Once approved, the household will be paid 50% of the approved costs up to $250. 
• Pre-Constructed raised garden beds are eligible.
• Materials for construction of raised garden bed.
• Soil, compost and/or other recommended mediums (per county extension horticulture agent)
• Mulch for raised garden beds.
• Rain barrels
• Materials for rain barrel installation
• Seeds for Pollinator Gardens
• Beehives
• Bees
• Protective Equipment for Beekeepers

NOTE:  SEEDS AND/OR PLANTS ARE NOT ELIGIBLE COST SHARE ITEMS FOR RAISED BED PROJECTS

The participant agrees to the following BEFORE REIMBUSEMENT:

• Provide receipts of all purchased materials
• Provide photograph of the completed practice for the purpose of documentation or publicity
• Project must be completed by August 31, 2024.

Misuse of program:

The Franklin County Conservation District (FCCD) Board of Supervisors have agreed that any intentional or negligent misuse of the district programs by a program participant may result in the participant being barred from participation in the FCCD’s local cost share programs for a period to be determined at the discretion of the FCCD Board of Supervisors.    

Contact information:

Franklin County Conservation District

103 Lakeview Court     

Frankfort, KY 40601

Telephone: (502)352-2701

Fccd103@gmail.com