By UVM Extension
Do you have questions about how to prepare your garden site for planting or want to know which perennials grow best in the shade? Maybe you have a pesky insect that you can’t identify or need advice on your soil test results. The University of Vermont (UVM) Extension Master Gardener Helpline is there to help for free.
Trained volunteers 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. All are experienced gardeners and graduates of the 16-week Extension Master Gardener course.
Volunteers will be on hand to answer calls on the Master Gardener Helpline from 9 a.m. to noon, Thursdays through October 31. The number to call is (802) 656-5421.
Questions also may be submitted online at https://go.uvm.edu/gardenquestion. Gardeners are encouraged to include up to three clear photos of plants damaged by insects and diseases to help volunteers properly identify the problem and provide an accurate response.
Soil tests for home gardens are available through the UVM Agricultural and Environmental Testing Lab. For information, visit https://go.uvm.edu/soiltest. If you have follow-up questions about your soil recommendations, please upload a copy of your soil test report through the Helpline online service.
Commercial growers of vegetables, berries, tree fruit and related crops should contact the UVM Extension Commercial Horticulture Team at https://go.uvm.edu/hort for information and assistance.
In addition to staffing the gardening helpline, Extension Master Gardener volunteers share their gardening knowledge by teaching workshops and staffing garden information tables at events around Vermont. They also plant educational gardens at schools, libraries, community gardens and other public spaces to demonstrate sustainable gardening practices.
To request a volunteer for a public event, see https://go.uvm.edu/request-volunteer.