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 plant disease information and plant identification. Proper identification also includes research based information regarding management if necessary. The Clinic also performs pH soil testing. Please note, we are currently not accepting insect samples for identification that are found in homes, on people, or on animals. We will continue to accept insect samples from plants/outdoors.
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 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
Diagnostic Services
To make an accurate diagnosis adequate specimens must be submitted for identification. Samples may be brought to the office or mailed. Please use the links below for details on how to gather a sample and submit with diagnostic form. We are currently not accepting insect samples for identification that are found in homes, on people, or on animals. We will continue to accept insect samples from plants/outdoors.
pH Soil Testing
For ideal plant growth, soil needs the proper pH level. Samples may be brought to our office or mailed. Please use the following information on how to gather a properly collected sample and submit with the soil testing form.
UMASS Soil Testing Services
The University of Massachusetts Soil and Plant Tissue Testing Laboratory is a UMass Extension program. The lab offers comprehensive analyses of soil, plant tissue, compost, and soilless greenhouse media. Please use the following information on how to properly submit samples.