Gardening Questions Can be Posed to Master Gardeners

BURLINGTON – University of Vermont (UVM) Extension Master Gardeners are available to answer questions from gardeners in Vermont on a broad range of home horticulture topics including soil bed preparation and planting; vegetable and fruit gardening; annuals and perennials; backyard composting; sustainable lawn care; plant diseases and integrated pest management, among others.

Volunteers will answer calls on the Master Gardener Helpline from 9 a.m. to noon, Thursdays through October 27. The number to call is (802) 656-5421.

Questions also may be submitted online at go.uvm.edu/gardenquestion for a speedier response. The online form includes an option for providing up to three photos. Gardeners also are encouraged to use the online system to submit photos of plants damaged by insects and diseases.

Soil tests for home gardens are available through the UVM Agricultural and Environmental Testing Lab. For information, visit pss.uvm.edu/ag_testing. If there are follow-up questions about soil recommendations, upload a copy of your soil test report with the helpline online form.

Commercial growers of vegetables, berries, tree fruit and related crops should contact the UVM Extension Commercial Horticulture Team at go.uvm.edu/hort for information and assistance.