The Garden Hotline is a free service offered through the Penn State Extension Office to help Lancaster County home gardeners with questions and concerns.
Jordan Lambert researches gardening questions for residents of Lancaster County.
Master Gardeners answer questions about native plants, growing vegetables, fruits, ornamentals and turf grass, plant identification, pruning, and insect and disease problems. We encourage the use of integrated pest management (IPM) and environmentally sound practices.
To help with identification and diagnosis, plant and insect specimens can be brought to the Extension Office at the Farm and Home Center, Lancaster. If you are bringing a sample, select fresh plant samples with intact parts including flowers, if present. For diagnosis, bring a live sample that shows both healthy and unhealthy growth. Enclose live insect specimens and infested plants in an airtight container. If you cannot keep the insect alive, place it in a jar with alcohol or freeze it for several days to preserve the specimen. Digital photos for plant or insect identification can also be e-mailed to the office.
Hours and Contact Information
Master Gardeners are answering questions in person and remotely by email. If you have a plant specimen or want to speak to someone in person, please call us to check the schedule.
Contact Information
Email: lancastermg@psu.edu (It is very helpful if you can email your question with pictures.)
Phone: 717-394-6851
