Gardening enthusiasts and homeowners can now receive gardening and backyard composting information and guidance with the spring re-opening of the University of Vermont (UVM) Extension Master Gardener Helpline.

Operated by trained and knowledgeable Extension Master Gardener volunteers, the helpline provides free, reliable, research-based answers to questions about home gardening, lawn care, composting, integrated pest management and more. 

“We’re thrilled to offer this valuable service to Vermonters,” says Deb Heleba, program coordinator. “Our trained volunteers are passionate about home and community horticulture and eager to help gardeners at all experience levels.” 

Interested Vermonters can contact the helpline in two ways. They can submit questions with photos of plants, insects and diseases or upload soil test reports to the online portal at https://go.uvm.edu/gardenhelpline.

Helpline volunteers also are available to answer calls at (802) 656-5421 on Thursdays from 9 a.m. to noon through October 30. Questions about plant identification, insect and disease management, soil health and other sustainable gardening practices are all welcome. However, Extension Master Gardener volunteers cannot provide personal site visits to home gardens.

Commercial growers of vegetables, berries, tree fruit and related crops who need assistance with identifying an insect pest or plant disease, should contact the UVM Plant Diagnostic Clinic. For other crop-related questions, contact the UVM Extension Commercial Horticulture Team.

The helpline is part of UVM Extension’s Community Horticulture program that is committed to supporting local communities through science-based horticulture education and outreach. The program’s Extension Master Gardener Program trains volunteers in horticultural best practices, empowering them to share knowledge and promote environmentally responsible gardening throughout the state.

For more information, visit the program website at www.uvm.edu/extension/mastergardener.