Multistate Collaborations to Answer Consumer Horticulture Questions In e-Extension

The Consumer Horticulture Community of Practice, which is responsible for the Gardens, Lawns, and Landscapes section of eXtension, has historically answered around 40% of the questions submitted to Ask an Expert. Extension Master Gardener volunteers (EMG) were initially recruited from several states to help answer questions.  By 2008, EMG were answering over 50% of incoming questions.  However, the number of questions answered in the horticulture category has increased dramatically from 2,618 in 2008; to 5,619 in 2009; and 7,998 in 2010.  The institutionalization of eXtension in land-grant universities has resulted in more Extension personnel willing to answer questions across all categories. This paper will track demographics of incoming questions since the launch of the application and highlight changes in the ways that questions are being handled.