HELP DESK

Chesapeake Extension Master Gardener Help Desk

The Chesapeake Extension Master Gardener Help Desk provides resources and solutions for the home gardener. Have a question? We've provided a list of our most popular publications below, but you can also get help by searching the online publications database or utilize our help desk services. 

Citizens may call, visit, or e-mail us with their gardening questions and we will supply the latest research-based information. Gardeners are encouraged to bring in samples for diagnosis and solutions to gardening problems. If we cannot diagnose the problem on site, we will mail samples to Virginia Tech for laboratory analysis. For directions on collecting samples, try either one of these publications: Soil Testing and Plant Analysis or Soil Sampling for the Home Gardener.

Help Desk Hours: Monday & Friday (excluding holidays) 9:00am to 12:00pm and Wednesdays from Noon to 3:00 pm. Samples may be dropped off during the same hours.  Please use the phone number to speak to an agent.

We've also created a help desk online inquiry form that asks many of the questions our volunteers would explore with you. The answers go directly to our volunteers and they will follow-up with a phone call, email and/or publication mailing as needed. 

Articles

Identification and Diagnosis Articles:

• Plant Disease Diagnosis
• Weed Identification
• Insect Identification

Popular Publications:

• Annuals, Perennials & Bulbs
• Beekeeping
• Food Preservation
• Fruits & Vegetables
• Garden Insects / Pests
• Garden Plant Diseases
• Indoor Plants
• Lawns
• Pest Management Guide - Home Grounds & Animals
• Trees, Shrubs, & Groundcovers

HELP! SOMETHING IS WRONG WITH MY PLANT!

Only fields that are starred are required. Do your best to answer as many of the questions below as possible. This will help our master gardeners to diagnose the problem and recommend a course of action for your troubled plant.

Thank you for taking the time to complete the form.  Someone will respond to your questions as soon as possible.  The Help Desk is manned by volunteers, on most Mondays through Fridays from 9am to 1pm during the months of March through October.

If you are a commerical grower, you need to call or visit the office and you will be directed to our Agriculture and Natural Resources specialist.  Office hours are M-F from 7:30am to 5pm, and you should call the main number: (757) 382-6348.