How to gather lawn and garden samples to bring to the Extension Gardening Hotline for diagnosis.

Samples are helpful in diagnosing plant problems. Collection of an appropriate sample will make it easier. Follow these guidelines when collecting samples to bring into the Extension office.

Lawn Samples

Cut a piece of sod, including the upper root and soil layer, about the size of a salad plate, or about 6" x 6".
Try to collect your sod sample from an area that contains some healthy and dying stages.
A dead sample will reveal little information.
Do not just bring in a handful of grass blades.
Place the sample in a plastic bag or small container for transporting.

Tree and Shrub Samples

A 1 – 2 foot branch or twig showing the damage is the most helpful for diagnosing problems.
Avoid a limb that is completely dead, or bringing in a handful of leaves.
It may be helpful to collect several limbs showing the various stages of decline.
If possible, cut just before bringing into the office.
If they must be cut and held, keep them refrigerated to preserve freshness.

Insect Samples

Avoid squashing the insect, if at all possible.
Do not collect between pieces of tape.
Instead, trap the insect in a small bottle or bag.
If you need to kill the insect place it in a bottle containing rubbing alcohol.

Houseplants

If possible, bring the entire plant to the office, pot and all.
This gives us the best picture of what is going on with the plant.
If this is not possible, a couple of small shoots are helpful.
A leaf-only sample often does not show enough for a proper diagnosis.

E-mailing Photographs

Attaching photos in an e-mail is easy and convenient to do.
When taking photos for e-mailing, make sure to use the lowest resolution setting on the camera, as they e-mail much faster.
Send several photos, including
- ones up close showing the damage,
- and one that shows the entire plant.

Contact The Gardening Hotline

Have questions? The Gardening Hotline is staffed by trained EMG volunteers and Extension staff who will assist you with questions.

Phone: (913) 715-7050

Email: garden.help@jocogov.org