Gardening Hotline

Master Gardeners answer questions on a variety of topics including growing vegetables, fruits, ornamentals and turfgrass, plant identification, pruning, and insect and disease problems. Master Gardeners encourage the use of integrated pest management and environmentally sound practices.

To help with identification and diagnosis, plant and insect specimens can be brought to the Extension Office at the Farm and Home Center, Lancaster. If you are bringing a sample, select fresh plant samples with intact parts including flowers, if present. For diagnosis, bring a live sample that shows both healthy and unhealthy growth. Enclose live insect specimens and infested plants in an airtight container. If you cannot keep the insect alive, place it in a jar with alcohol or freeze it for several days to preserve the specimen. Digital photos for plant or insect identification can also be e-mailed to the office.

Hours and Contact Information
Monday-Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. April through September.

During October - March, we are in the office 2-3 days per week. Please check this website for that schedule

Phone: (717) 394-6851
Email: lancastermg@psu.edu

Or you can bring your questions into the office:   

Farm and Home Center, Penn State Extension Office, 1383 Arcadia Rd., Rm 140, Lancaster, PA. 17601-3184