Diagnostic Services
Rock County UW-Extension offers research-based information to assist and educate the public in their gardening endeavors. Our services include assistance with plant identification, disease and insect identifcation, and soil testing.
Human and household pest problems and concerns should be directed to the Rock County Environmental Health Department, (608) 757-5441.
Help by phone: |
- Please call the Rock County UW-Extension office at (608) 757-5696. Your message will be forwarded to your county UW-Extension Horticulture Educator. Your call is typically returned within one or two business days by the Horticulture Educator or a Master Gardener Volunteer.
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Help by e-mail: |
- E-mails can be directed to:
- Mike Maddox, Horticulture Educator
- Cindy, Master Gardener Volunteer
- Mary, Master Gardener Volunteer
- Barb, Master Gardener Volunteer
- Electronic photos are welcomed. Include the species of plant, age and/or size, growing conditions, and a brief description of the problem. Please include your name, phone number and mailing address.
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Walk-in visits: |
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To talk in person with your county UW-Extension Horticulture Educator or Master Gardener Volunteer, please visit them Memorial Day through Labor Day at Rotary Botanical Gardens, Janesville, Wisconsin on:
- Tuesdays, 10:00am to 2:00pm
- Wednesday, 10:00am to 2:00pm
- Thusrday, 10:00am to 2:00pm
- At all other times it is recommended you call ahead and/or schedule an appointment.
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Where to deliver samples: |
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Site visits: |
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Services Provided
Plant Identification |
What we need:
- If possible, submit the entire plant (especially for weeds), the roots may be important for identification.
- For trees and shrubs-- a branch with leaves attached.
- Flowers and fruits are also helpful in identification.
- Submit sample in a plastic bag, do NOT water.
- Wrap turf in foil, do NOT water.
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Disease Identification |
What we need:
- For herbaceous plants, submit the entire plant that has symptoms.
- For woody plants, submit the branch that has symptoms (living and dead parts).
- Submit sample in a plastic bag, do NOT add water.
In some cases, and with your permission, it is necessary to forward samples to the diagnostic laboratories (UW-Madison). There will be a $15 to $25 charge. You will be invoiced for this service.
Useful links
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Insect Identification |
What we need:
- If possible, submit the insect specimen, preferably alive.
- Bring in a small jar or plastic container so it does not get squashed.
- Detail the location it was found.
Useful links
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Soil Testing |
What you get:
- Analysis of current nutrient content of your soil (P,K).
- Current soil pH.
- Recommendation of type and amount of fertilizer to add.
- Allow 2-3 weeks for return of results.
What we need:
- 2 cups of air dry soil.
- Samples should contain soil from surface to 6 inches deep.
- Take soil from 3 or 5 places in area to be tested, mix together and submit 2 cups of mixture in clean plastic bag.
When to sample:
- Can be done anytime the soil is not frozen.
- Best done before you apply fertilizer.
What is the cost?
- Cost is $15 per sample, payable cash or check at time of sample submission (checks made payable to UW Soil Lab)
Useful links
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Garden Help-Line and Current Issues 
Venturia leaf spot
