Consumer interest in gardening topics and preferred information sources

A survey was conducted to quantify what gardening topics consumers were interested in learning and what sources they used to learn about these topics. Approximately half of the participants (48.2%) responded that they were currently interested in a topic. Friend/neighbor/family members (53.4%), garden center staff (51.0%), and gardening books (48.2%) were the most popular sources for this information. University Web sites, Extension offices, and Master Gardener programs were among the least five sources used. Survey results can help Extension personnel with consumer horticulture responsibilities provide appropriate information to consumers. Results can also help provide a measure of Extension impact.