Ask A Master Gardener Volunteer
Our Master Gardener Volunteers are happy to assist you with plant and pest identification and other general backyard gardening questions. We will provide you with timely, evidence-based responses and resources to guide you. The more infomation you can provide, the better response we are able to provide to you. Additionally, please provide clear, in-focus photos of what you are specifically asking about. Please keep in mind that even with the best photos, there may be times in which we are not be able to provide an accurate diagnosis.
Master Gardener Volunteers are only able to assist with consumer horticulture questions regarding the use of plants, gardens, landscapes and related horticultural items to the benefit of individuals, communities and the environment. Please post questions regarding the cultivation and management of plants, flowers, and crops for commercial purposes HERE where an OSU Extension Educator or Specialist can assit you.
Ohio State Univeristy Master Gardener Volunteers are not permitted to conduct site visits to your property or business for any reason. We will do our best to assist you through the Ask a Master Gardener Volunteer portal. Additionally, you may always bring a sample into your local OSU Extension Office or submit a sample to the C. Wayne Ellet Plant and Pest Diagnostic Clinic for further analysis.
As OSU MGVs, we are unable to endorse or recommend specific pesticide brands, landscape companies, nurseries, or other specific stores or services. We will provide research based information upon which you can base your decisions. The Ohio Department of Agriculture allows you to search for licensed pesticide applicators and companies HERE
The Ohio State University and the Master Gardener Volunteer Program do not offer any financial assistance for tree removal, invasive species removal, pest management, or any other services or enhancements to your property or business.
Any potential pesticide drift complaints, or off-site movement of a pesticide, must be addressed by the Ohio Department of Agriculture, Pesticide Regulation. If you suspect damage caused by pesticide misues, please call 614-728-6987
Please do not sumbit your request though the Ask a Master Gardener Volunteer portal. Please email Jen Andon @ andon.1@osu.edu for assistance.
OSU Educators, staff and volutneers are unable to handle or address any medically related questions, including those pertaining to reactions to plants or arthropods.
Most OSU Extension offices offer soil tesing kits for sale, or can direct you where to obtain one. The soil and tissue testing labs will assist you in interpreting the results. Here is more information on soil testing for Ohio lawns, landscapes, fruit crops, and vegetable gardens
You must be a licensed pesticide applicator to purchase and apply restricted use pesticides in the state of Ohio. You must also be licensed to apply any pesticide commercially in Ohio. For more information on pesticides and licensing, please visit the Pesticide Safety Education Program website.
All OSU Extension factsheets can be found@ ohioline.osu.edu. You can use the search field to find a specific topic.