Horticulture Hotline & Diagnostic Lab

Do you have a question about growing a vegetable garden? Wish you knew the name of that pesky weed that keeps popping up in your flower bed? Wonder what that funny looking insect is that is crawling across your shoe? Find the answer, by contacting our Horticulture Hotline!

Cornell Cooperative Extension Educators and Master Gardener Volunteers are available to answer these questions, and more. They answer numerous questions about plant, tree and lawn care, vegetable and flower gardening, and home and garden pest management practices for county residents.

Email the Master Gardener Volunteer hotline at mastergardener.putnam@gmail.com or call 845-278-6738 ext. 220 9AM to Noon weekdays.

Diagnostic Lab Requests and Forms

For more challenging problems and detailed answers you may also leave a sample. For a fee of $15 we accept samples of insects and plants for identification, diagnosis of plant problems, turf problems, and general pH and texture analysis. For these services please see our instructions and forms.

Senior Discount Wednesdays

Seniors Citizens are invited to drop off samples on Wednesday's for a discounted fee of $10 per sample (cash only please).

We do not identify SNAKES or MUSHROOMS.

Cornell Cooperative Extension Putnam County provides equal program and employment opportunities. Accommodations for persons with special needs may be requested by contacting Cornell Cooperative Extension prior to a program.

Last updated August 15, 2023