We're here to help! The Master Gardener Volunteer Helpline serves Vermont residents by providing science based information about home horticulture issues and integrated pest management (IPM). Unfortunately, Master Gardener Volunteers cannot 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: Commercial Growers, please scroll down the page to the Commercial Growers dropdown menu. Do not submit your question using the form below. 

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Ask a Master Gardener

Helpline phone

802-656-5421

If you are unable to use the online form. Please leave a message and be sure to include:

  • Name
  • County
  • Email Address 
  • Question

We will email you a reply in 7-14 business days. Unfortunately we can not call back clients at this time due to COVID-19 restrictions.

SUBMIT YOUR QUESTION BELOW

To submit a question please fill out the various sections of the "ASK EXTENSION" form in the box below.

Tips for Submitting Photos *The maximum file size is 8MB per image, and up to three images can be uploaded.

Great resources to search for answers to your questions

How to Submit Specimens

Due to the COVID 19 pandemic, the Plant Diagnostic Lab is not accepting any home garden insect or plant specimens for the 2021 season. If you would like to have something i.d., please use the Submit Online form located above and include good/clear images of the entire plant/insect, and a close up of the specific damage occuring (see tips for submitting photos above).

Thank you for your understanding.

Commercial Growers

Please visit the UVM Plant Diagnostic Clinic for assistance.

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 and Northern New Hampshire. Find a National Master Gardener Program near you.

Directions & Map to Helpline Office

Google Map and Printable Directions

“This work is supported by Crop Protection and Pest Management Program [grant no. 2017-70006-27143/1013802] from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture.”

Soil Testing:
UVM's Agricultural and Environmental Testing Lab

Soil sample. From Wikimedia, Sustainable Sanitation Alliance

Ann Hazelrigg, UVM Plant Pathologist:
Monthly Pest & Disease Updates

Helpline On Across the Fence