Participants learn employment and social skills appropriate for the workplace
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – The University of Tennessee Gardens, Knoxville, is excited to announce the return of a fun-filled summer program for teens, age 13 through high school seniors, who have disabilities. Registration is now open for the three-week Sow 2 Grow Level 1 – Basics program, which begins May 26.
Sow 2 Grow is a socially engaging experience that features a variety of fun gardening activities for teens with disabilities. Sessions are presented in a safe and welcoming environment.
In this work-ready skills program, teens learn independent decision-making as well as how to work together as a team. Using plant-based activities, participants feel a sense of purpose while learning employment skills and appropriate social skills for the workplace.
The program is held in a natural, non-judgmental and structured environment that uses people-plant connections as a foundation to improve the well-being of the whole person. Using natural settings as an tool, Sow 2 Grow also helps participants develop skills that anyone can use to help manage stressful situations.
Sow 2 Grow is led by Deb Wolf, a therapeutic horticulture practitioner-THP, who also serves as the therapeutic horticulture program coordinator with the UT Gardens. Wolf combines her love of working with people and plants to teach social and professional skills to program participants so they will be successful in their future jobs. The UT Therapeutic Horticulture team also includes Janet Hughes, THP, and Ashley Maple, THP, as well as interns and volunteers.
When asked about changes noticed in participants, one parent of a past participant said her son definitely had a positive experience and was better able to express himself after the program. “He was more willing to participate and to speak up. Even a coworker noticed by the end of the program that he seemed more communicative and made more eye contact!”
The Sow 2 Grow program includes three levels of instruction and interaction. Participants must pass through the levels in sequence. This year’s Sow 2 Grow Level 1 – Basics program takes place from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. EDT for the full-day option, and 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. EDT for the half-day option. The program will be held on weekdays from May 26 through June 12, 2026. The registration deadline is May 1, with an early bird discount if registered by March 8.
More information, including cost, can be found online the UT Gardens, Knoxville, website: utgardens.tennessee.edu/locations/knoxville. Follow the link listed for Summer Camps and the Sow 2 Grow program.
The UT Gardens includes plant collections located in Knoxville, Crossville and Jackson. Designated as the official botanical garden for the State of Tennessee, the collections are part of the UT Institute of Agriculture, which also includes the Herbert College of Agriculture, UT College of Veterinary Medicine, UT AgResearch and UT Extension. Through its land-grant mission of teaching, research and outreach, the Institute touches lives and provides Real. Life. Solutions. to Tennesseans and beyond. utia.tennessee.edu.