Agriculture and Horticulture

Whether you are looking to save money, love fresh vegetables, flowers and working in your garden, MSU Extension offers many resources including the popular Master Gardener Volunteer Program. If you have gardening questions or need to identify a plant or insect call our state Hotline at 888-678-3464 Monday, Wednesday or Friday from 9 a.m. to Noon.  Ask Extension is another option and is available by clicking here.  Experts typically answer within two business days.

For a small fee, limited appointments are available to Macomb County residents for plant or insect identification through Macomb's Extension office. To make an appointment, call 586-469-6085 or email lowenst6@msu.edu.  The Plant and Insect Diagnostic form can be found here.

David Lowenstein, Extension Educator
586-469-6085
​​​​​​lowenst6@msu.edu

Pamela Voss, Master Gardener Coordinator
vosspame@msu.edu

Meghan Cassidy, Support Staff
586-469-6440
meghan.cassidy@macombgov.org

The MSU Soil Test will tell you,

1: The current level of plant nutrients in your soil;

2. If fertilizer is needed, what kind and how much to add;

3. If lime or sulfur is needed and how much to add;

4. The soil organic matter level;

5. Approximate texture of the soil.

This kit comes complete with everything you'll need to submit a soil sample for testing to the MSU Soils Laboratory. The sample kits are available at the local MSUE office, or can be ordered online at the MSUE Bookstore Order a soil test mailer.

Other Gardening Information

For general gardening info, visit http://www.migarden.msu.edu/

Click on MSU Extension News for weekly alerts regarding plant growth and development, pest problems and many other topics.

We suggest you sign up for an email alert

What is Smart Gardening?

Smart Gardening is an initiative from Michigan State University Extension that helps people become great gardeners who are environmentally savvy and SMART! It is a campaign to help new and experienced gardeners adopt and implement real-life techniques in their yard and garden that will help them save time, money and the environment! IPM or Integrated Pest Management has long been a hallmark of MSU Extension programs but often times gardeners cannot unravel the amount of information that comes their way—-from educational institutions, magazines and commercial product producers. “Smart” helps people adopt proven, university-researched tactics in their own backyards.

Master Gardener Program 

The Michigan State University Extension Master Gardener Program is an adult horticulture education and volunteer leader training program. Volunteers are committed to improving the quality of life in Michigan through horticulture-based volunteerism and beautifying communities throughout the state.

Master Gardener Banquet

TBD