Master Gardener GARDEN QUESTION CALL-BACK SERVICE

Call 234-226-6639 and leave a garden question as a voicemail. A Master Gardener will call you back within 48 hours to help.

Email your question to FAES-SummitMG@osu.edu. A Master Gardener will respond within 48 hours to help.

Diagnostic Services

Due to limited staffing, at this time, OSU Extension in Summit County does not offer diagnostic site visits to private homeowners unless there is an extenuating circumstance.

You may send high quality photos of potential pest or disease damage as a first measure to diagnose problems. Images can be sent to Maggie Rivera at rivera.482@osu.edu. As an alternative, you can always submit samples in person to our office.

It's best to call ahead (330-928-4769) if you plan to drop off a sample to ensure staff is available to assist.

Describing the Problem

Whether you call or email, it is important that you provide a clear description of the problem.

Plant

hosta with leaves damaged by insects

  • When did the problem first appear?
  • Is the plant near a house? Near a driveway or sidewalk?
  • What type of light does the plant get? Full sun? Part sun? Part shade? Full shade?
  • Is the area wet?
  • Is it located under an overhang?

Insect Identification 

tiny blue beetles crawling on a leaf 

  • When was the insect found?
  • Where was the insect found? Indoors? Outdoors?
  • Where in the building? Basement? Kitchen? Bathroom?
  • If found on a plant, what plant?
  • What part of the plant? Bark? Branches? Leaves? Roots

 

It is also helpful to provide clear, well-focused photos.

Plant Photos

  • pictures of the damage or symptoms on the plant
  • a picture of the whole plant
  • close-up pictures of parts of the plant (leaves, flower, roots, fruit, etc.)
  • broad view of the plant and its surrounding

Insect Photos

  • include as many photos as possible for best identification
  • a picture of the insect next to a ruler or coin to show size comparison
  • a picture of the area where the insect was seen
  • a picture of any damage the insect has caused to plants, wood, etc.