Home Garden Education Office
The UConn Home Garden Education Office provides trusted, research‑based answers to your gardening and pest questions. Serving residents across Connecticut and beyond, we offer support by phone, email, in-office consultations, social media, and through educational publications. Our team also participates in outreach events and hosts educational gardening programs. We’re here to help you grow healthier plants, solve problems with confidence, and enjoy your home garden all year long.
Expertise
- Toll-Free Number: Call With Your Gardening Or Pest Questions: (877) 486-6271
- Email: Send Your Gardening or Pest Questions and photos to: ladybug@uconn.edu
- Free Monthly Horticultural E-Newsletter
- Fact Sheets on Horticultural and Related Topics
- Ladybug Blog - A weekly horticulture blog
- Social Media - Follow us on
Facebook& Instagram - Speakers & Presentations - Limited availability upon request!
- Outreach Events – We provide talks and tabling at events like the CT Flower & Garden Show and host events like the Annual IPM for Home Gardeners Seminar.
Master Composter Program
The office accepts requests for assistance or information on horticultural topics and garden and household pests from individuals throughout Connecticut as well as solicitations from out-of-state and, occasionally, international clients.
Annual IPM Seminar
Hosted by the UConn Home Garden Education Office and the UConn Integrated Pest Management team, this annual event provides home gardeners with a full day of practical, research‑based learning.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get results?
Home Garden Education Office typically responds within 1 business day to all phone calls and emails
I have a plant issue but I’m not sure if it’s a disease, a soil nutrition issue, or something else. Where should I start?
The Minor Center has resources on our Available Tests page and we have a FAQ that might hold your answer.
If you’re still unsure what’s affecting your plant, start by emailing clear photos and a brief description of the problem to our Home Garden Education Office at ladybug@uconn.edu. Our team will review your submission, help identify potential causes, and let you know if any diagnostic tests are recommended.
How does the Home Garden Education Office differ from the Master Gardeners?
The staff at the Home Garden Education Office are trained horticulturalists, collectively sharing over 60 years of professional and academic experience in plant science, horticulture, entomology, and related fields. We enjoy collaborating with the UConn Master Gardener Program, and several of our team members hold Master Gardener certification in addition to their years of training and experience.
In addition to answering your gardening questions and participating in outreach events across the state, the HGEO works directly with our partners in the Plant and Soil Health Center to provide a seamless, research‑supported experience. Our team also produces educational resources, including fact sheets, a monthly e‑newsletter, and other publications designed to support gardeners throughout Connecticut.
The Center is the Northeast Regional First Responder to Extension ‘Ask the Expert’ questions.