Our Lawn & Garden program is your local resource for cultivating home landscapes. Whether you're a seasoned gardener, a new homeowner tackling lawn weeds, someone looking to control common pests, or a professional landscaper, we provide advice, educational resources, and research-based solutions. From ornamental flower beds to backyard vegetable gardens, our educational resources are designed to support all your horticultural endeavors.
We also offer diagnostic services for soil nutrition, insects, and disease. Please see below for more details on these services and how to submit your samples today.
Soil Sampling
We can assist homeowners, growers, landscapers, and gardeners with collecting and submitting soil samples for lawns and gardens through the NC Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services (NCDA&CS). We are happy to walk you through the process, answer questions, and help interpret your results so you can confidently manage future soil testing on your property. Soil sample boxes and forms are available at our office. Soil testing is free from April through November and $4 per sample from December through March.
Insect & Disease Diagnosis
If you suspect that your plant has an insect or disease issue, the Plant Disease & Insect Clinic (PDIC) through the Department of Entomology & Plant Pathology at North Carolina State University can diagnose problems for farmers, growers, landscapers, homeowners, and gardeners. Our Extension Office can help identify common problems as well as assist you in properly collecting and submitting a sample. A discounted fee of $20 per sample will apply for plant samples submitted online through an Extension Agent.
Scholarly publications and informational factsheets about landscape design, lawn maintenance, ornamentals, garden pests, and more!
Browse PublicationsExtension Master Gardener℠ Volunteers (EMGV) provide unbiased, research-based information that empowers residents to cultivate healthy gardens, landscapes, and ecosystems through safe, effective, and sustainable gardening practices.
Visit the EMGV WebsiteTurfgrass factsheets with detailed species data, cultural and chemical control recommendations, and pictures to aid in identification.
TurfFiles WebsiteFor lawn and garden related questions, please contact:
Brooke Dongarra, Consumer Horticulture Agent | 252-237-0111 | bematusk@ncsu.edu
