OSU Extension Office offers plant, pest diagnostics
By David Sprague
OSU Ext. master gardener volunteer
The Canfield Fair is right around the corner. The fair has something for everyone: livestock prizes, rides, food and the chance to learn something new.
That something new can be services of the OSU Extension Office’s Plant and Pest Diagnostic Clinic and what it can do for you.
Well, in case you didn’t know, the clinic can help you with problems you may have in the garden, in the yard and around your home.
The clinic will have an interactive station at the fair where we can learn about the clinic and how it can help you with plants, insects, lawns and more.
For example, if your garden vegetables are not doing so well this year, the clinic is where you find out why. Have you noticed any pests around your home? The clinic can identify those pests are and give you control recommendations for them.
This year, the clinic has answered questions about: lawn problems, plant identification, plant diseases, nuisance wildlife, trees, ponds and nearly every other aspect of home and garden.
Two questions you might have about this clinic are: who works there and how much does the clinic charge for its services? The clinic is staffed by OSU trained master gardener volunteers who work under the direction of the OSU Extension Office. With the exception of soil tests, there is no cost for any of the clinic’s services. And all answers provided by the clinic are the scientific results of unbiased research – tests and evaluations – of the issues at hand.
The clinic does not want to be the best-kept secret in Mahoning County. So stop by and learn about us. Check out the insects under the microscope. See samples of plant disease issues – or bring in your own for diagnosis.
In addition to answering specific questions, the clinic is a great place to get general information on best gardening practices.
Do you know the answer to the following questions? How often you should have you soil tested? Why is it important to do a good fall clean up in the garden? When is the best time of year to fertilize the lawn?
We can answer those and other questions.
Learn about our services, where the clinic is located, our hours of operation and when the clinic closes for the year.
All of the stations and the indoor gardens will be in the Floral Building, No. 44. See you there.
To learn more about the clinic before the fair, visit go.osu.edu/soiltesting.