BLUE SPRINGS, Mo. – Dedicated volunteers from Extension Master Gardeners of Greater Kansas City create the Tuesday Tip series of short videos designed to educate and entertain those interested in gardening.

The videos take weeks to create and typically run five minutes or less. The Tuesday Tip team, under the direction of University of Missouri Extension horticulturist Tamra Reall, begins by choosing a timely topic for each video.

They then use research-based resources to gather information. There’s never a shortage of topics, says team member Brad Holmes. “We have more ideas than we have hours in the day,” he says.

Their research-based approach often serves to dispel common gardening myths or the “we’ve always done it this way” methodology, Reall says. Many videos are seasonal, but all have three key take-home points.

Through Zoom calls, team members plan the setting and props and write a script that Reall reviews. Videos are shot by skilled volunteer photographers and videographers.

Then begins the laborious work of editing the footage, which can take up to 50 hours for the finished product. Reall then posts the video to YouTube and the team shares the link on numerous social media sites.

The team takes turns voicing the videos. In all, more than 10 people give their time and talent to the team. Last year, nearly 500 hours were volunteered to make gardening videos for the public.

Each month, the team turns to Reall’s creation “Kids Ask Dr. Bug” to explain the role of insects in gardens and in the environment. This outreach tool of MU Extension is available on YouTube and in print pieces.

Dr. Bug sows seeds of possibilities with young children who share their enthusiasm and knowledge with parents and other adults. “It’s amazing how kids will educate the adults,” says Reall. “Dr. Bug is a safe place for adults to learn, too.”

Short, simple videos like these “magnify and amplify” the important work that MU Extension Master Gardeners do, says Reall. She says she is grateful for the diverse talents and skills that gardeners in the urban area of Blue Springs are willing to share.

This year’s focus  is on Integrated Pest Management, a process to solve pest problems while minimizing risks to people and the environment.

Since 2019, the team has created more than 40 videos. The most popular videos are about poinsettia care and why we should be nice to bugs.

The team’s latest goal is to reach more Missourians by exploring other types of video media, including YouTube Shorts.

The Master Gardeners of Greater Kansas City serves Clay, Jackson and Platte counties.

The Tuesday Tip videos are at https://www.youtube.com/@MUExtensionBugNGarden. You can find “Kids Ask Dr. Bug” at https://bit.ly/KADBvideos.

Learn more about MU Extension Master Gardeners of Greater Kansas City at http://www.mggkc.org.