Master Gardener Volunteer Plant Clinic
Let us help with your plant problems.
We can identify plants and insects, test soil pH, diagnose diseases and insect damage, identify weeds, check for chemical injury, and help with nutrient problems. We also provide recommendations based on these diagnoses.
Master Gardener Volunteer Plant Clinic Goal
The goal of the UF/IFAS Extension Lake County Master Gardener Volunteer Plant Clinic and the Mobile Plant Clinic is to improve the quality of life for residents. We do this by sharing research‑based information developed by UF/IFAS faculty and Extension professionals.
Master Gardener Volunteer Plant Clinic Objectives
The Master Gardener Volunteer Plant Clinic aims to:
-
- Provide research‑based educational information
- Test soil samples for soil pH only
- Complete Soil Analyses are available with Third-Party Soil Lab. Free soil packets available.
- Offer friendly and helpful customer service
Staffing
Master Gardener Volunteers staff the Plant Clinic during Plant Clinic hours.
A Horticulture Office Associate or the Residential Horticulture Agent may also be available to help when needed.
Mobile Plant Clinic/Tabling Event
We also have a Mobile Plant Clinic Trailer that you may request for events, fairs, and other activities. We can answer questions about soil, plants, insects, weeds, trees, and more.
If there isn’t enough space for the trailer, we can set up a table, chairs, and a tent instead. To schedule the Mobile Plant Clinic, fill out the Mobile Plant Clinic Request Form or contact Maria Quírico Bautista mquiricobautista@ufl.edu.
Plant Problems?
Lake County is a very large county, and you may not be able to visit the Plant Clinic!
However, you may communicate with us about your local problems by EMAIL or by FORM:
- EMAIL: lakemg@ifas.ufl.edu Please describe your problem in the email body, then attach images of your plant problem.
- FORM: Click Here to go to a form. Please complete with description of your plant problem. You have the option of attaching images to illustrate your plant symptoms.
- WEBSITE: Distance Diagnostic and Identification System is a University of Florida online Plant Disease Diagnostic tool.
Hours
The Master Gardener Volunteer Plant Clinic office is open Monday-Friday, 10:00AM - 2:00PM (excluding state and federal holidays). A Master Gardener Volunteer is usually on duty during these hours.
You may drop off your soil samples, insects, weeds, pictures, and questions during AgCenter Office Hours, Monday-Friday 9am-4pm.
Soil Sample Procedure: Soil pH Only
- Please sample soil from the root growing area. Dig down 4" for turf, deeper for shrubs and trees.
- Place 1 cup of soil into a ziplock sandwich bag per sample.
- Mark each bag with a marker pen, the soil location, or however you wish to describe the sample.
- You may submit up to 6 samples per visit, with completion of a Contact Form.
- After a 24-48 hour drying process, the soil sample will be processed for soil pH.
- We will give you a call with the results. If you prefer a text or email, please state at the time of soil submission.
| Donate Today! |
|---|
|
|
