Consumer Horticulture education includes providing cultural and pest management information to home gardeners, youth, retail garden center personnel, and nonprofit organizations concerning the growing of: fruits, flowers, trees, houseplants, lawns, vegetables, and woody ornamentals. (It does not include providing information to producers of horticultural crops or to lawn and landscape installation and maintenance professionals.)

• Provides unbiased, research-based information
• Can facilitate two-way communication between researchers, businesses, government agencies, and consumers to address current problems (on a local, state, or national level)
• Program efforts are designed to meet local needs under the guidance of citizen advisory committees

• Promotes an activity that provides exercise, reduces mental stress, and increases family and community interaction
• Provides an unbiased, objective source of information so citizens can make informed decisions
• Saves time and money for do-it-yourself gardeners
• Provides a rapid avenue for communicating new information and recommendations
• Provides wildlife control measures
• Promotes the reduction of food bills by growing fruits and vegetables

• Educates clientele concerning new produces, plants, and gardening practices
• Stimulates and maintains interest in growing plants, improving landscapes, etc. (increased customer base for industry)
• Informs public of local direct marketing of fresh produce (such as strawberries, peaches) and Christmas trees
• A referral service for questions by customers (thus holding their staffing size down)
• A referral service to resolve customer/business conflicts and disputes

• Promotes the wise use of fertilizer and pesticides to preserve water quality (reduction of nonpoint pollution)
• Increases tourism (public gardens, overall community appearance)
• Increases tax base (tax value of homes, income tax on commercial horticultural enterprises, sales tax on purchases)
• Minimizes soil erosion, reduction of yard waste disposal, reduction of energy consumption (through proper landscaping), improves air quality (reduced dust, increased oxygen levels)
• Encourages the protection and preservation of wildlife resources
• Reduces mental and medical expenses
• Increases property value and resell speed of homes
• Enhances community appearance and pride (attracting new industry, enhanced quality of life)
• Provides educational assistance for recovery following natural disasters: water shortages, floods, hurricanes, tornadoes
• Is a resource for school teachers and youth concerning hands-on science education
• Utilizes a volunteer staff of Master Gardeners to extend program delivery