Ask Extension form
University of Maryland Extension's team of Certified Professional Horticulturists, faculty, and Master Gardener volunteers are available to answer yard and garden questions from Maryland residents. (If you live in D.C. or another state, use the Extension Foundation form to select your location, or contact your local university cooperative extension.)
We strive to answer questions within 48 hours, Monday through Friday. For the fastest answers, search UME's Home & Garden Information Center (HGIC) website first.
Helpful information to include with your question
Photos are very important for identifications, diagnostics, and plant care recommendations (such as pruning or transplanting). To help us answer your questions:
- Attach image files in JPG, PNG, or GIF format. Video files and HEIC format files are usually not viewable. Please use photo files at least 1MB in size so we can see enough detail.
- Insect ID: Photos need to be in focus, in good lighting, and include a ruler or coin to show size when possible. Please get close enough to show details in the insect's shape or color pattern.
- Plant ID: Show the entire plant, preferably with close-ups of flowers or seed heads. Leaf arrangement on the stem is an important trait to show.
- Plant disease diagnosis: Show the transition from healthy to symptomatic plant material. Include information about whether the plant was recently installed or transplanted and the soil and site conditions where it's growing. Note when and where on the plant the symptoms started, if possible.