In the spring of 2020, with the ongoing threat of COVID-19, in an effort to control the virus, Extension Offices, along with countless other places of business were forced to close their doors to foot traffic, in-person meetings, and classes for over two months.   With so much traditional face-to-face interaction with clientele, this made the job of an extension agent quite challenging.  

During this time agents were encouraged to use virtual means to communicate with and provide virtual education opportunities to the public.  Monthly newsletters were still sent out, phone calls and emails were still answered, and client’s questions were still addressed, but in addition, the horticulture agent had to step up her presence on social media to provide a virtual experience.

Prior to the world-wide pandemic, the Harrison County Horticulture page was active with around 260 followers.  With classes being cancelled for the spring of 2020, the horticulture agent decided to start creating infographics related to gardening.  With many people working from home, or out of work, there was a growing interest in people starting their own vegetable garden.  The infographics focused on “how to grow” individual crops.   They included the most crucial information such as planting date, how to plant, and how to harvest.

Infographics were made on How to Grow: broccoli, cucumbers, green beans, pepper plants, sweet potatoes, watermelon, and sweet corn.  In addition to infographics, the Horticulture Facebook page platform also allowed infographics and videos that were created by other horticulture agents and specialists to be shared.

As of June 1^st, the Horticulture Facebook page reached 283 followers, increasing by 23 followers since the beginning of the pandemic.  Prior to infographics being posted, posts on the Horticulture Facebook page received on average 50 people “reached” per post.  The infographics created resulted in the following outcomes:  Broccoli reached 251 people, Cucumbers reached 155 people, Green Beans reached 647 people, Pepper Plants reached 246 people, Sweet Potatoes reached 315 people, Watermelon reached 439 people, and Sweet Corn reached 980 people.

Although extension is anxious to get back to once again offering in-person classes and one-on-one help for clientele, the importance of social media presence cannot be discounted.   It is apparent that the public likes the simple and straightforward infographics being produced.  Therefore, they will continue to be created and shared.