Horticulture Clinic

The Cape Cod Cooperative Extension runs a Horticulture Clinic which provides unbiased research based information for all your horticulture and gardening questions. The Clinic offers diagnostic services free of charge; these services include insect identification, plant disease information, and plant identification. Proper identification also includes research based information regarding management if necessary. The Clinic also performs pH soil testing.

Trained Master Gardeners are available to answer your horticulture questions via email or phone. Submit your question to gardeners@capecod.gov or call the Clinic: (508) 375-6700.

Please be as detailed as possible with your question. For questions that involve insect, plant, weed identification, or disease/mysterious problem solving, please include high quality pictures with your email so that we can make a conclusive diagnosis. For pointers on how to take high quality diagnostic photos click here.

Soil and Diagnostic samples can be dropped off at 1358 Route 28, S. Yarmouth. Soil Submission Form and Diagnostic forms will be available below the black mailbox at the door facing the main parking lot. Please be sure your sample is accompanied by one of these forms and that your sample is clearly marked with your name and any pertinent information. Samples can be placed in the mailbox when complete. Soil is tested at no cost to residents and the limit is 5 samples per household.

For more extensive soil testing including nutrients and fertilizer recommendations – use the UMass Soil Testing Lab. Instructions on how to take a soil sample.

You can also mail your soil samples:
Cape Cod Cooperative Extension
Soil Test
PO Box 367
Barnstable, MA 02630