We're here to help! The UVM Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Helpline serves Vermont residents by providing science-based information about home horticulture issues and integrated pest management (IPM). Master Gardener Volunteers do NOT provide personal site visits to home gardens. Volunteers are also limited on the pesticides they are allowed to recommend as they are not licensed pesticide applicators.
Note for Commercial Growers: You should visit the Plant Diagnostic Clinic — do NOT submit your question using the form below.
Submit Your Question
To submit a question online, please take a moment to complete this diagnostic worksheet (PDF) to assist us with your question(s). You can either attach this worksheet to the form below, or type in the information you filled out on the worksheet into the question box.
Include Photos
We highly recommend including photos of the problem area to help our volunteers better understand the situation. If you are submitting photos, please review the Tips for Submitting Photos (PDF) prior to attaching them to the Ask Extension form. You can submit up to three images at a maximum file size of 8 MB per image with your question to help us gain a better sense of your situation. Select "Choose File" to upload a photo or document.
For Soil Test Report Help
If you have a question about your soil test report, please upload it to your question. Select "Choose File" to upload it. *Be sure to check the box to set your question as private (to protect your contact information from going public).*
Our Response
To submit your question, you need to select the "I am not a robot" button and click on Submit. Once you submit your question, you will automatically receive a confirmation email from askextension@eduworks.com. Check your inbox for this confirmation -- if you do not see it, please check your SPAM/JUNK folder. Please allow 3-5 business days before receiving a response.
Helpline Phone
Live Helpline open on Thursdays, 9-12 from April-October.
Home Garden Specimens
Most often we are able to i.d. Insect & Plant disease specimens with good/clear images. Please submit images by filling out the online form located above. Here are some Tips for Submitting Photos (PDF). In addition, please provide as much information as possible about the Insect or Plant disease by filling out this Insect and Disease Diagnosis Worksheet (PDF) and attach it to your online form, as well as the photos.
Instructions for mailing in a specimen:
If you do not have access to a computer or the internet, please submit your specimen by filling out this Plant Specimen Submission Form (PDF).
Not in Vermont? Due to the large volume of requests, differences in climatic conditions, and variation in state pesticide regulations, we can only assist with issues that occur in Vermont. Find a National Master Gardener Program near you.