BURLINGTON, Vt. — Wondering when to plant your tomatoes? Confused about composting? Or maybe you need some advice on caring for your lawn.

University of Vermont (UVM) Extension Master Gardeners are available to answer questions from gardeners in Vermont on a broad range of home horticulture topics including soil bed preparation and planting; vegetable and fruit gardening; annuals and perennials; backyard composting; sustainable lawn care; plant diseases and integrated pest management, among others.

Volunteers will answer calls on the Master Gardener Helpline from 9 a.m.-noon, Thursdays through October 27. The number to call is (802) 656-5421.

Questions also may be submitted online at https://go.uvm.edu/gardenquestion for a speedier response. The online form includes an option for providing up to three photos. Gardeners also are encouraged to use the online system to submit photos of plants damaged by insects and diseases.

Soil tests for home gardens are available through the UVM Agricultural and Environmental Testing Lab. For information, visit https://pss.uvm.edu/ag_testing. If you have follow-up questions about soil recommendations, please upload a copy of your soil test report with the helpline online form.

Commercial growers of vegetables, berries, tree fruit and related crops should contact the UVM Extension Commercial Horticulture Team at https://go.uvm.edu/hort for information and assistance.

–Deb Heleba
UVM Extension Master Gardener Program Office