Use of Audio Podcasts As a Catalyst for Extending the Reach of Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Urban Horticulture Programs

Extension Master Gardener Volunteers in Durham County North Carolina, USA created a radio show to distribute expert information and feature timely content on sustainable gardening.  The show has been featured on five radio stations across the state and is available as a podcast via the website.  Twitter, Facebook and a North Carolina State Extension portal are used to promote the podcasts.  Extension Master Gardener Volunteers serve as producers, anchors, reporters, and transcribers for the show.  In its second year, the impact of the show has spread throughout the entire volunteer program. Experts are interviewed for the podcast, then podcast topics are used for newsletter articles and speaker’s bureau presentations.  The links to specific Podcasts are sent out via email in answer to Ask an Expert questions submitted by the public.  Topic categories include Garden Management, Soil and Water, Gardeners, Plants, Insects and Growing Food. Some of the specific topics featured include “Fantastic Figs are in Your Future this Fall” and “Biochar – Ancient Amendment with a Modern Twist”. A number of challenges have been successfully addressed including organizational structure; compliance with trademark, copyright, and Americans with Disabilities Act regulations, and equitable distribution of the workload. The podcast program has unleashed creativity and enthusiasm, it has connected us with target audiences not previously tapped and the benefit has spread throughout the entire program.