Horticulture Helpline 

Have a yard or garden question? Call or e-mail our Horticulture Helpline. This free service allows callers to speak with a trained Extension Master Gardener regarding plant, bug or soil questions by phone or email.

Telephone hours for the Horticulture Helpline vary by season. Answers to voice mail messages and emails vary with staffing. Most are answered within a few days but some may take a little longer. 

Call (262) 548-7779 Thursday mornings from 9 am to noon, or e-mail questions anytime to [email protected].

Diagnosing Plant Problems

For those plant problems that can’t be diagnosed by email, we offer in person diagnostic services at our office. Bring your plant sample or plant insect pest to the Extension Waukesha County office during regular business hours of 8 AM – 4:15 PM. This service is available to the general public. You may print the Horticulture Diagnostic Form, fill it out and bring it with you; or fill it out when you come into the office with your sample. 

There is a $5 charge for this service and diagnostics may take up to seven days. Please bring cash or a check as we do not accept credit card payments.

For a brochure of all of our diagnostic services, open the Horticulture Diagnostic Services Flyer.

For instructions on collecting a "good sample," please call the Horticulture Helpline at (262) 548-7779 or email them at [email protected].

Home Insect Pests

For assistance with home insections, visit the UW Madison Department of Entomology Insect Diagnostic Lab at https://insectlab.russell.wisc.edu/.  

Soil Testing 

Having soil problems? Have your soil tested by the UW Soil and Forage Lab in Madison. For fee and submission information, go to https://uwlab.soils.wisc.edu/soil-samples/lawn-garden/.