Garden Hotline

Garden Hotline email: butlermg@psu.edu

The Garden Hotline is a free service offered through the Penn State Extension to help county residents address gardening questions and concerns.  Master Gardener volunteers are trained to answer a variety of questions about gardening topics specific to our local climate, such as:

• when to plant vegetables outdoors
• which native plants will thrive in your space
• how to identify pollinator-friendly plants
• pruning tips
• common plant problems, diseases, and solutions
• lawn/turf care, and more.

For best results, please email a detailed description of your plant concern or question to butlermg@psu.edu and include two or three high quality photos if possible.   You can also call the Master Gardener Hotline number at 724-287-4761, ext. 7 to receive a return call from one of our Master Gardener volunteers. 

Soil Tests

Soil fertility testing is often recommended by Penn State Extension Master Gardeners as a first step toward healthy plant growth. Read "Don't Guess…Soil Test," to find out what our soil fertility tests measure (and what they don't), instructions on how to take a good soil sample, pricing, timing, helpful links, and more.

Here in Butler County, there are two ways to get a Penn State Extension soil fertility test:

1. Mailing kits can be purchased at our office during regular business hours. For best service, please call the office before stopping by.
2. Soil fertility test forms, pricing, and instructions can be viewed and printed from the comfort of your home or office. If you choose this method, you will supply your own mailing bags and mail your payment directly to the lab along with your soil sample. 

After submitting your soil sample, the lab will forward a fertility report within about two weeks that includes a chemical analysis of your soil along with recommendations for soil improvement specific to your crops.  For faster results, please be sure to include your email.

To pick up a soil or water test kit, please visit our office.

Plant Pathology & Entomology Identification Services

Penn State Extension Master Gardener volunteers are trained to guide you through more complex plant disease and insect-related questions as well, using trusted resources like the Penn State Plant Disease Clinic and the Penn State Entomology Department to find answers quickly and efficiently. For best results, please begin by emailing the Master Gardeners at  butlermg@psu.edu. Samples are received on Monday through Thursday at the Penn State Extension office in Butler County from 8 AM to 4 PM. Samples must be sealed in a plastic bag, jar, or similar container to be accepted for consideration.

Water Tests

Penn State Extension's Agricultural Analytical Services Lab also offers tests for Drinking Water, Livestock Drinking Water, Irrigation Water for Nurseries and Greenhouses, Irrigation Water for Turfgrasses, and Ponds and Lake Water.

Stop by our office to pick up a free water testing kit, complete with instructions, fee schedule, and large sampling container. For additional information, visit the Penn State Extension Agricultural Analytical Services Lab Water Testing website.