ASHS 2025 Conference

2024 marked Mississippi State University’s South Mississippi Branch Experiment Station’s fourth year to host a Poinsettia Open House. The goal of this annual event was to ascertain the affinity tendencies among retail consumers for poinsettias available in the US market. In addition, five new pre-release varieties not currently offered in any market were included. Results are intended to be shared within the industry. This event took place over a two-day period the first week of December (December 6, 2024 and December 7, 2024). The use of available poinsettias in various floral display arrangements provided participants with ideas for using these versatile plants in holiday inspired settings. Attendees were asked to complete a consumer preference survey in exchange for a complementary poinsettia to take home. The survey design asked for ‘favorites’ within the categories of traditional red, pink, white, novelty, and pre-release varieties. In addition, participants were asked to list their top 3 favorites regardless of the category. Overall, 60 total cultivars across these 5 categories were displayed in small groups of 6-8 plants each. Top votes getters within the 5 categories included: Reds – Christmas Feelings Merlot and Christmas Bells, Pinks – Maren and Jubilee Pink, Whites – Alpina White and Frozen, and Novelties – Superba New Glitter and Premium Ice Crystal. The entries within the pre-release category were identified as numbered selections. The top favorite within this category was a variegated dark pink/cream medium-height plant with large bracts. This new cultivar was also chosen as one of the overall participant favorites joining Superba New Glitter and Alpina White.

KY Farm Launch is a new beginning farmer training program designed in broad collaboration with organizations working with beginning farmers in Kentucky. This includes University of Kentucky (UK) Cooperative Extension and academic departments, the Kentucky Center for Ag and Rural Development (KCARD), the Kentucky Sheep and Goat Development Organization (KSGDO), and an advisory board of non-profit agencies, beginning farmers, and experienced farmer leaders in Kentucky. The project team implementing the program is a partnership between UK Cooperative Extension, UK's Food Connection, UK Department of Horticulture, UK's Beef Team, KCARD and the KSGDO. This intensive program meets once per week for 9 months in Lexington area, based at UK's Horticulture Research Farm and Organic Farming Unit, UK's Animal Research Unit, and other privately-owned farms supporting the program. Our goal is for program participants to begin farming commercially within one year of completing the program. The program consists of full day of workshops each week focused on production knowledge, hands-on skill building, and farm business development. All participants complete a 'Common Curriculum' of business and market planning, financial record keeping, risk management, and farmland evaluation and assessment (~8 weeks). The bulk of the program is divided into two tracks that participants select based on their primary commercial enterprise: the Sustainable Vegetable Small Fruit Track or the Diversified Livestock Track. The 'Track-Based Programming' (~24 weeks) is applied, hands on training in essential aspects of commercial production of diversified vegetables and small fruits (Veg Small Fruit Track) or sheep, goats, small flock poultry, and small beef cattle herds (Livestock Track). Additionally, each participant works with the team to develop individualized mentoring plans to help fill any gaps in their knowledge and interests. For farmers without access to land, this program is also supporting the development of a beginning farmer incubator program in a partnership between UK and private landowners. This individually-tailored, cohort-based, hands-on approach is designed to accelerate participants progress to successful commercial farming at goal levels developed through a facilitated mentoring process. The program is capped at 30 farms (individuals or farm family units) per cohort cycle. The program will run for at least two consecutive cohort cycles (2025 and 2026). This poster will focus on the curriculum, learning objectives, methods and preliminary outcomes of the Veg Small Fruit track at the mid-way point through our first cohort.

Rutgers Master Gardeners (RMG), a 45-year-old program with over 2,000 active volunteers, assist the Agriculture and Natural Resources Department of Rutgers Cooperative Extension in the implementation of its goals. The Extension’s goals include the provision of accurate, research-based, practical information regarding horticulture best practices to extended community of New Jersey. The program evolved organically since its inception and there has been no statewide research that examined the program’s operation and impact. In July of 2024, an extensive survey was sent to 2250 volunteers categorized “active” in the master database. This survey, Volunteer (1), solicited information regarding the volunteers’ motivation for serving, their understanding of the program’s operation, training and funding and tested some future program ideas. A second survey, Volunteer (2), followed. This survey clarified or further explored items from Volunteer (1) and added an impact assessment. A third survey, Rutgers Staff/Faculty, aimed to determine alignment of staff/faculty perception with those of the volunteers as well as to examine the staff/faculty perception of the program’s operation, training and funding. A fourth survey, National, was distributed through the Extension Master Gardener list serve to staff and faculty administering each state’s Master Gardener Program. It examined the alignment of Rutgers program with the national program to obtain a deeper understanding of Rutgers work. All data collected should be considered perception and opinion data. There was both alignment and misalignment were found within and between all surveys. Some unexpected data reveal potential anti-volunteer bias and lack of program leadership clarity. On-going focus group sessions and further surveys and workshops continue to clarify trends. Trends identified, include suggest restructuring of program staffing, enhancing strategic planning and focusing on professional development and support of volunteer coordinators. Data informs the initiation of a strategic planning initiative for the statewide program.

Everyone working at the university level is expected to evaluate the impact of their programs. The knowledge and practice of evaluation is assumed to be among the skill sets of staff, including early career staff, without the provision of professional development or analysis support. This is not the case. In 2024, Rutgers conducted statewide and national surveys of Master Gardener programs. Of staff and faculty responding to Rutgers national survey, 73% said that they either did not have the time or the knowledge of evaluation processes to successfully evaluate their programs.

This workshop will explore the process and outcome of this research followed by a hands-on activity illustrating the pitfalls of survey creation and how to avoid them. This opportunity to learn about survey data collection and analysis while using data that is current and relative to the Master Gardener program is invaluable. The participants of this workshop will experience designing research surveys, evaluating data and using sound research processes while exploring data collected via the Rutgers study from over 2,000 participants ranging from volunteers to national stakeholders. Unexpected vs. invalid outcomes will be included. The data presented as examples is as important as the learning process. For example, 97% of staff respondents, regardless of organization, did not see the Master Gardener volunteers as “masters of horticulture”. Participants will attempt to determine if this is an indication of survey bias or process issues or is the data valid, revealing training deficiencies, performance issues, or bias toward volunteers as non-professionals. Participants will leave with a better understanding of how to evaluate their Master Gardener programs and with foundation data on which to build future analysis.

Moderator: Ruth Carll, State Leader, Consumer Horitculture, Rutgers

Speakers:

• Ruth Carll, State Leader, Consumer Horticulture, Rutgers
• Belinda Chester, Senior Program Coordinator, Rutgers

Overview Goal:
The goal of this workshop is to bring together professionals who manage Master Gardener programs and, through guided discussion, identify methods for implementing surveys that deliver valid data by examining a current survey project’s development process and outcomes.

Format:

1. Pre-test
2. Group introduction and orientation to the topic
3. Small group activities with real-time reporting
4. Post-discussion assessment
5. Partnership creation
6. Wrap-up and distribution of notes

A forum for discussion of potential collaborations with regards to ornamentals – i.e. floriculture, nursery crops, breeding, turf, ornamentals industry, botanic gardens, landscape industry, orchids, etc.

Open to all attendees.

A citizen-science gardening project was conducted in 2024 with 205 participants from Indiana, Iowa, North Carolina, and Tennessee. Participants grew two cultivars of strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa): ‘Elan’, a vigorous white-flowered plant, and ‘Tristan’, a pink-flowered plant with ornamental appeal. The study used a 15-question pre- and posttest format to assess changes in participant confidence related to pest management, personal nutrition, and mental health care. Participants also reported cultivar and plant-type preferences in the post-test. Monthly virtual educational sessions on the assessed topics were delivered by Extension faculty. Only 110 participants completed both the pre- and posttests, enabling evaluation of knowledge gain. An increase in mean scores was measured for 13 questions, suggesting that participants benefited from the educational Extension programming. The greatest improvements were measured in pest management knowledge, with gains ranging from 10% to 19%, whereas questions about methods to reduce stress increased only by 6% to 8%. In the posttest, 76% of participants preferred ‘Tristan’, citing its more attractive appearance, earlier harvest, and better yield compared to ‘Elan’. On average, ‘Tristan’ plants produced their first harvest 49 d after planting, compared to 58 d for ‘Elan’. Notably, willingness-to-pay data indicated that participants valued both cultivars similarly. Our findings demonstrate the positive impact of Extension programming on gardening-related knowledge and highlight the value of collaboration between university researchers, Extension faculty, and stakeholders as citizen scientists.

East Texas Master Gardener volunteers were asked to participate in an exploratory Qualtrics survey during the fall of 2023. This study examined the demographic characteristics, volunteer engagement choices, and challenges of Master Gardener volunteers in Texas A

The Utah Commission on Aging defines food insecurity as lack of reliable access to sufficient amounts of affordable and nutritious foods. Seniors experiencing food insecurity are disproportionately low-income and often suffer from chronic health conditions (Hartline-Grafton, 2019) and food insecure older adults with chronic conditions have higher health care costs than their non-food insecure counterparts (Garcia et al., 2018). Food insecurity among low-income seniors is a complex issue because impacted individuals may experience limited mobility and not reside near food stores. Additionally, many low-income seniors must choose between feeding themselves, paying medical bills, and affording household expenses (Utah Food Bank, 2019). The Utah Food Bank reports that about 12% of Utah seniors struggle with hunger (up 45% since 2001) and the number is expected to climb to 8 million by 2050 as the aging population doubles. Salt Lake County (SLCo) Adult and Aging Services published a 2023 Community Needs Assessment which identified the top three of needs of local seniors were healthcare, transportation, and nutrition. The study highlighted government providers must “achieve greater impact through partnerships and innovation”. The free farmers’ markets at senior centers program demonstrates an innovative partnership that couples County government providers with Utah State University Extension (USU Extension) to address food insecurity experienced by low-income seniors. USU Extension utilizes public volunteers to grow and disseminate locally grown produce to urban dwelling seniors through the farmers’ market program. USU Extension Master Gardener (MG) volunteers provide service hours in exchange for horticulture training. In Salt Lake County, MGs are encouraged to grow and donate homegrown produce for distribution at markets. Since 2017, 20 tons of produce has been distributed with an approximate market value of $80,000. 7,500 seniors were served during 135 markets. Benefitting seniors reported that: 97% saved money, 100% increased access to fresh produce, and 100% increased consumption of fresh produce.

With an increasing dependence on technology for delivering volunteer training and client programs within Extension, it is essential to assess the tech savviness of both volunteers and paid personnel. Paid personnel often express frustration over volunteers’ lack of technological skill, while volunteer skills can also far surpass that of the personnel’s skill level. These situations can lead to mistrust and missed opportunities for both personnel and volunteers alike. To assess technology skills (tech savviness) among personnel and volunteers, a random sample (n=572) of Extension personnel (agents, staff, AmeriCorps members, and county coordinators) and volunteers (Extension Master Gardeners and 4-H volunteers) were asked to provide subjective assessment of their technology skills as well as that of their counterparts (i.e., volunteers self-assessed their program coordinators, while paid personnel assessed that of their volunteers). Respondents then completed a 10-question technology skills quiz for an objective measure of skills. Questions included keyboard shortcuts, trouble-shooting scenarios, use of computer and social media applications, as well as hardware and basic equipment set-up. Results confirmed that there is a significant difference between actual and perceived volunteer and personnel technology skills, though overall scores reflect a need for continued technology skill-development for both volunteers and personnel.

Why do people pay a significant amount of money to take 50 hours of coursework and give 50 hours of volunteer service to become a certified Extension Master Gardener (EMG)? What is the incentive to remain an EMG? Why do they volunteer for Extension instead of a local hospital or other community organizations? This study answered these questions to enhance Extension educator training on volunteer management and engagement, recruitment, and retention of EMGs. The EMG program director and program manager partnered with a family and consumer science specialist and staff to co-develop the study and collect data. Six focus group interviews with EMGs (n=26) and eight focus group interviews with Extension EMG county coordinators (n=15) were conducted and recorded via Zoom in November 2024. The comments obtained in the focus group sessions were transcribed and coded into themes in each of the combined groups interviewed. Focus group comments revealed information that needed to be and could be addressed immediately. This led to four technical reports containing recommendations for program improvement in recruitment and retention of EMGs directed to Extension administration, the EMG program director and manager, Extension EMG coordinators, and EMGs. In addition, data will be used to formulate questions for a survey to be administered to EMGs in the fall of 2025. In this session, you will learn about the research study, the focus group data collection process, results and recommendations for program improvement, and the necessary steps to continue developing this knowledge.

Residential food scraps accounts as a major landfill product that is responsible for 40% of kitchen waste. Reducing these waste products is a goal of EPA by 2030. The objective of this study is to use an accelerated home food scrap composter to encourage residents to reduce waste volume and weight and provide garden compost to produce garden produce and flowers. Two accelerated composters (Lomi and Vego) were evaluated both for their compost soil health, physical and chemical properties after processing kitchen scraps (apples, bread, chicken, coffee, milk, and Irish potatoes). Lomi processed food for 24h only and the Vego composter for 1, 5, and 10 days. Compost volume and weight increased as days of composting increased. Compost health, nutrients, pH, C/N Ratio were suitable for a horticultural growing amendment. Physical components were within normal parameters for a soil substrate. Finer particles were increased with greater days of composting as expected. Plant growth, SPAD readings showed an increase with 5- and 10-days composting. Compost incorporated at 10 % v/v increased petunia biomass. Accelerated composters reduced volume and weight of food scrapes while providing essential plant nutrients.

The NC State Extension Gardener - North Carolina Botanical Garden Online Therapeutic Horticulture course partnership has demonstrably achieved significant success in expanding access to affordable, comprehensive training in the field. Since its 2020 inception, this collaboration has successfully introduced over 600 students residing in 45 U.S. states and 19 countries to the practice, establishing itself as a pivotal resource for individuals seeking to integrate nature-based interventions into therapeutic practices. The program's curriculum is thoughtfully designed to guide participants along a continuum, fostering growth from initial interest in the benefits of human-plant interaction to the development of practical proficiency in therapeutic horticulture techniques and program management. A key element of the course's success lies in its robust and adaptable online format, which effectively transcends geographical barriers and accommodates diverse learning styles and schedules. The comprehensive training encompasses foundational horticultural knowledge, an in-depth exploration of the theoretical underpinnings of therapeutic horticulture, and practical strategies for designing and implementing effective plant-based activities tailored to various populations and therapeutic goals. Furthermore, the partnership leverages the combined expertise of experienced professionals, ensuring a well-rounded and evidence-based educational experience. The substantial enrollment figures and broad geographical reach underscore the growing recognition of therapeutic horticulture as a valuable intervention within healthcare, education, and community-based settings. By equipping individuals with the necessary knowledge and skills, this online program is actively contributing to the expansion of qualified practitioners and the wider adoption of therapeutic horticulture practices globally. The positive impact is evidenced not only by the number of students served but also by the anecdotal reports of graduates successfully applying their training to enhance well-being and facilitate positive change in their respective communities. The continued growth and influence of this partnership highlight the transformative potential of accessible and high-quality online education in this increasingly vital field.

The goal of this workshop is to bring together Master Gardener stakeholders working to create impactful programs in unique and efficient models and to provide a forum for the exchange of ideas for achieving greater impact through effective program operation. The participants will leave the workshop with partnerships identified between programs of similar needs and change status. The panel for the workshop represents 4 programs that have successfully restructured their programs and serve as models for those considering making a change. Through discussion, we will identify how to build a case for change, present the case to the leadership, manage change, and measure the outcome. Those active in any role of their Master Gardener program are encouraged to attend. Creating impactful programming in this field is directly influenced by the efficiency through which we operate. To achieve greater success, more effort must be invested in advancing purposeful and effective management. However, many of the programs throughout the country have grown into their current forms organically and through grassroots process which are now less effective for larger, statewide programs. Making large-scale changes in a university system can be difficult. Participants of this workshop will leave with a better understanding of the change process and learned about different Master Gardener program models that have successfully implemented change.

Speakers:

• Missy Gable, Director, UC Master Gardener Program, University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources, mjgable@ucanr.edu
• Jennifer Marquis, Director, WSU Extension Master Gardener Program, Washington State University, jgmarquis@wsu.edu
• Mary Ortiz Castro, Colorado Master Gardener State Education Specialist, Interim Extension Programs Manager, Colorado State University Extension, mary.ortiz_castro@colostate.edu
•  Ruth Carll, State Leader, Consumer Horticulture, Rutgers, ruth.carll@rutgers.edu

Florida faces significant environmental challenges due to population growth and the widespread use of fertilizers and pesticides. Key concerns include water contamination from lawn and landscape chemicals, soil erosion, and the loss of biodiversity and wildlife habitat. Home landscapes offer a valuable opportunity to implement sustainable practices that conserve water, reduce chemical inputs, recycle yard waste, prevent erosion, and support local wildlife. The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Extension provides residents with research-based recommendations to promote sustainable landscaping. In 2024, the UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County residential horticulture program educated 1,477 residents on these practices. A six-month follow-up survey (n=55) revealed that participants adopted various sustainable strategies: 78% replaced high-maintenance plants with low-maintenance alternatives, 86% selected plants suited to site conditions, 51% used rain gauges to monitor rainfall, 66% applied a 2-3" layer of organic mulch, 76% enhanced landscapes with plants or water sources to attract wildlife, 88% opted for less toxic pesticides, 49% started composting, and 50% maintained a 10-foot no-treatment zone near water bodies. These changes contribute to reducing stormwater runoff and nutrient leaching, leading to cleaner water bodies and improved environmental health. The success of these educational programs highlights the impact of extension efforts in fostering sustainable landscapes and protecting Florida’s natural resources.

Green industry businesses face many challenges in production including finding and retaining employees as well as increasing materials and shipping costs. To address production hurdles, implementation of various types of automation are a key focus in many horticultural production operations. Automation has the potential to not only address key production challenges but can also improve working conditions and employee experience, including health and well-being. A focus on employee health and wages has been shown to be valued by consumers of a range of horticultural food crops and have been a key element in price premiums for food crops and businesses who demonstrate their positive benefit for worker or community well-being. However, less is known about consumer perceptions of green industry production practices or their valuation of businesses prioritizing employee well-being. Therefore, a nationwide consumer survey was undertaken to assess consumer knowledge and perception about automation overall and automation within horticultural production. While the focus on the survey was to investigate automation technologies in the nursery industry, the survey included a range of greenhouse and nursery crops to assess consumers’ understanding of the current use of automation as well as perceptions about automation as well as the impact of automation on employee health and well-being. The focus on the presentation will be on consumer knowledge and opinion on automation in plant production as well as the role of consumer demographics, work experiences, and industry knowledge. Results will be summarized to share opportunities for strengthening consumer valuation of horticultural crops.

Consumer decision making is heavily influenced by not only the information made available about products but also the degree of trust consumers have in that information. As online sources increase, so do opportunities to find information about products that is both factual and misleading. Especially with regards to green products and sustainability claims, predatory marketing practices, undisclosed advertisements, and uninformed influencers contribute to consumer vulnerability regarding purchases. With regards to plant products - both plant-based foods and ornamental plants - and the environment, little research has been invested in understanding where and how consumers are getting information and what they trust. This study investigates how plant consumers access and trust information regarding environmental and climate issues, their purchases, and the sustainability qualities of plant products. Using the results of an online survey, consumer profiles were identified using Ward’s Linkage clustering so that stakeholders, such as science communicators, marketing professionals, consumer protection agencies, and consumers themselves can better understand the state of consumer trust in information about plant products.

Home propagation is a common practice among horticulturalists and green industry consumers due to the simplicity of the activity and the gratification of successfully growing new plants. While discussions of propagation often emphasize its environmental and economic benefits, far less attention has been given to its individualistic impacts. These impacts may include psychological, therapeutic, and social benefits. This study examines the relationship between home propagation and improvements in mood, self-confidence, and opportunities for interaction with other plant enthusiasts. Through surveys with plant propagators, we will learn how successful propagation attempts create a sense of personal fulfillment, accomplishment, and a desire for interaction with other propagators. By further investigating these benefits, this research aims to determine if home propagation functions as a therapeutic and community-building activity and should be acknowledged as something deeper than a casual hobby.

Identity has been used as a measure of individuals to better understand values and behavior, such as concern for the environment and subsequent behaviors. Applying the same approach to horticulture, measure of identity as a gardener can help researchers, educators, and industry stakeholders have knowledge of existing and potential clients to deliver relevant goods and services. In a 2023 national survey, respondents (n=2435) completed measures of gardener identity (GI) as well as assessments of five elemental and three functional gardening practices. Gardener identity scores were significantly higher among self-reported gardeners than nongardeners, with a weak positive correlation between GI score and spending on supplies and services (r = .310, p=.01). Despite perception that gardening is a solitary activity, findings highlight the role of social networks in positive, early gardening experiences that shape behaviors across the lifespan. Coupled with demographic data, these scores provide additional insight and guidance for developing and supporting individuals who spend money on green industry supplies and services.

Residential landscape pest management presents many challenges and pesticide management is accomplished via use of synthetic pesticide rotations. As consumer concerns related to pesticide use and the environment rise, landscapers have the opportunity to offer an integrated pest management (IPM) approach, using a combination of chemical and non-chemical control methods to reduce pesticide usage and reliance. However, consumer acceptance of and understanding of IPM is still not fully understood. We surveyed 1,000 respondents to quantify consumer knowledge of IPM. Questions were vetted using the Delphi method with nine industry and academic experts. Over 75% of respondents had some knowledge or were very knowledgeable of IPM. The more educated the respondents, the more knowledgeable they were of IPM. To capitalize on this to enhance economic outcomes for landscape service providers, future research should quantify how much consumers are willing to pay for IPM-grown plants or landscape services.

Join this open forum discussion to interact with your peers while exploring current issues facing consumer horticulture research and programming both nationally and internationally. The board of the Consumer Horticulture and Master Gardener Interest Group will serve as hosts for the session. The purpose of the discussion is to network with peers and to stay current in this evolving field of work. Climate change, soil erosion and quality, invasive species and preservation of native plants and food deserts are all open for discussion. Target audience issues such as generation differences in information sources and engagement are also important topics. All those working in any aspect of the field of consumer horticulture are encouraged to participate. Different perspectives from a broad stakeholder group with varying viewpoints are need for impactful and rich dialog.

Speakers:
Consumer Horticulture and Master Gardner (CHMG) Interest Group Board
Gerald Burgner, Chair, Texas A&M
Natalie Bumgarner, Vice Chair, University of Tennessee
Ruth Carll, Secretary, Rutgers