The Garden Hotline is a free service offered through the Penn State Extension office to help Venango County residents with gardening questions and concerns.
Gardening questions?
Go to Ask Extension, a national cooperative extension online service. First choose your state, then choose Penn State Extension Master Gardeners.
Soil Testing
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, and more.
Soil fertility test forms, pricing, and instructions can be viewed and printed from the comfort of your home or office. Soil Test kits can also be purchased at our office during regular business hours. For best service, please call the office prior to stopping by.
Plant Pathology Services
Occasionally, diagnosing plant disease requires clinical assistance beyond the resources available to the Garden Hotline. Please visit the Penn State Plant Disease Clinic for additional information.
Water Tests
The Penn State Extension 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.
