Do you have a pressing gardening question? We can help!

Get research-based answers from local Master Gardener volunteers.

Email us at: surrymastergardener@gmail.com
or
Call the NC Cooperative Extension, Surry County Center at: (336) 401-8025

The Master Gardener Hotline is staffed by volunteers who are trained to answer questions you might have about a variety of local horticultural problems. Answers to your questions are based on official recommendations of NC State University (NCSU) based on thorough research. Common questions include:

How do I test my soil?

How do I improve my clay soil?

When can I plant in Surry County?

How much and how often do I water newly installed plants?

What is that bug on my zucchini? How do I get rid of it?

When should I prune my hydrangea?

My lawn has brown spots. What is happening to it?

When you contact your MGV Helpline or the Surry County Extension center, be prepared to provide enough information for an MGV to help you. For example, if you have an insect, plant or weed for identification, bring a sample to the Extension center or email several clear, focused and close up pictures. If you want advice on what to plant, you will be asked about the location, for example, is it sunny or shady, wet or dry, and your landscape needs and preferences. This will help MGVs provide the best recommendation for your site. For help with plant ID or pest and disease diagnosis, bring a sample or send a focused, close up image to the Extension Master Gardener Volunteers in your county.

Considerations / Questions

What plant is affected?
What is the specific concern:
- wilting leaves, yellowing leaves, leaves dropping?
- suspected insect damage
What parts of the plant are affected, e.g., leaves, bark, trunk, roots, etc.?
What is the scope of the problem? One plant? One type of plant? Or many plants?
Cultural practices: watering regimen, fertilizer usage, herbicide usage, etc
Environmental conditions: full sun, full shade, wet area, dry area, etc

Digital Photograph Hints

Digital images of plants, insects, or plant injury or other symptoms can be very useful for helping MGVs identify plants, insects, or plant problems. You can help MGVs respond to your questions by providing photos that:

Take several pictures
Include a whole plant view
Include close-up of any damaged areas
Include pictures of insect / other pest
Make sure there's adequate lighting
Make sure pictures are in clear focus
Include a size reference, i.e., place a coin, pencil, ruler, or yardstick next to the specimen