Our Master Gardeners have returned to the Penn State Extension Office in Berks County and are available to accept walk-in clients with their home garden, pest, and plant identification questions. Master Gardeners receive advanced diagnostic training to address questions related to lawn care, landscape plants, houseplants, fruit and vegetables, herbs, and more. In addition to plant care, the hotline can advise on insect and disease issues, and can provide identification of unknown plants or insects. All advice is based on Integrated Pest Management strategies and environmentally-friendly approaches. Garden Hotline volunteers are trained to gather the necessary information to tailor advice to each individual situation. Should you have a pest or plant you would like identified, you can bring it in to the Extension office for a Master Gardener’s assessment. Our Master Gardener hotline schedule for in-person consultations is subject to the availability of our volunteers. If no volunteers are present to assist you right away, our office staff will collect the necessary information for our Master Gardener to follow up with you as soon as possible.
If you would prefer to make a Zoom video appointment to bring our trained Master Gardeners into your home garden virtually to address your questions, please call 610-378-1327. Our hotline volunteers will also continue to be available by email. Send your questions and good quality photos of the plants or pests to [email protected]. For questions related to managing runoff on your property, home ponds, rain barrels, rain gardens, or streamside property care, connect with a trained Master Watershed Steward by emailing [email protected].
The Pennsylvania State University encourages qualified persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact us at 610-378-1327 in advance of your participation or visit.
