Extension Master Gardener Helpline Now Open for the Season

A person is holding a cellphone with the UVM Master Gardening QR code in front of a laptop screen with the website.

The UVM Extension Master Gardener Helpline phones are now open on Thursday mornings from 9:00 a.m. to noon. The phone number is 802-656-5421 (leave a voicemail if calling outside of operating hours). The helpline phones are staffed during the gardening season until October 26.

For a faster response, questions also may be submitted online anytime throughout the year at https://go.uvm.edu/gardenquestion. You may include up to three clear photos, which will be helpful in diagnosing the issue.

Master gardener volunteers staff the Helpline and they answer questions on topics including:

  • Non-commercial fruit and vegetable gardening.
  • Ornamental plantings.
  • Insect and disease identification in home gardens.
  • Lawn care and backyard composting (no cannabis questions).

All inquiries from commercial farmers and growers should contact the UVM Extension Commercial Horticulture Team at https://go.uvm.edu/hort for information and assistance. Soil tests (for home or commercial uses) are available through the UVM Agricultural and Environmental Testing Lab, and information is available at https://go.uvm.edu/soiltest.

Inquiries from organizations/partners requesting help from an Extension Master Gardener or Vermont Master Composter volunteer should complete the request form at: https://uvmmastergardener.wufoo.com/forms/z1lt8wqh099y7re/.