On Gardening/How Information Is Requested Is Important

10-20-97
University Park, Pa -- A while ago I came across an interesting article in an issue of Pennsylvania Game News that brought back numerous memories. The particular column was in the Outdoor Wildlife Learning feature authored by Bill Einsig. In this issue the reader was asking for information on ecology, which is a very broad and general topic. The column went on to explain why such requests are difficult to handle.

This type of request parallels many of the requests I receive for information about the numerous categories of horticulture. Horticulture involves at least five different crops - fruit, flowers, vegetables, potatoes, and woody ornamentals. Even within these major groups there are a number of sub-groups, such as tree fruit and small fruit including berries. Flowers can be divided into annuals, perennials and any number of greenhouse and foliage plants. It is important to know if these crops are being grown commercially or if they are being used in a home setting.

We also interact on a regular basis with the areas of entomology and plant pathology when there are problems with one of our crops. Very often horticulture is a front line department for information, when, in fact, the specific information needed may be found in a totally different area.

Organizations with information tend to become very specialized because it is difficult to be expert in all areas at all times. Even thought I might have access to considerable amounts of information on a particular topic, it may not be practical to assemble and transfer it in a form that will meet the exact needs of the user.

When you ask for information on any topic, you should be as specific as possible. You need to sort through the topics beforehand and narrow the request to those pieces of information that will help you reach your intended goals. Basically I suggest you do a little research on your own.

Publication lists will provide information on the scope of material available. Select material in the subject you are working on. Some publications may need to be purchased. Not all reference material is free. Good reference material should be looked on as an investment that will repay you many times over in the future. Look through reference material to first see how much new material it contains before you purchase it.

Consider working with others who might be interested in the same subject matter areas. Everyone has a different source of information to share. Your reference sources may help someone else and vis a versa.

Many groups and organizations have newsletters and mailing lists that can be used as sources of help and information. You Penn State Cooperative Extension office is another source of information and newsletters. Popular magazines on the subjects you are interested in can also serve as references.

Before you send off a request for information read it yourself as if you just received it in the mail. Can you understand what is being requested? How long might it take to gather all the material? Who pays for the postage to return the literature and materials?

Letters that request 'everything you have' are impossible to answer and handle. Similar requests for help with a particular plant problem are equally difficult without details as to the nature of the problem. The problem might be cultural, insect or disease related. To get the best information available you need to be specific with the request and provide adequate information on what you are seeking.

**Dr. Robert Nuss is a horticulturist at Penn State. He coordinates all extension horticulture programs. He has bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in ornamental horticulture and has been on the Penn State faculty since 1966.