Garden Line

Looking for help with a lawn or garden question? Need help identifying an insect or plant disease? The Garden Line provides horticulture-related advice for Portage County residents. The Garden Line can answer questions related to: Trees & Shrubs, Vegetables, Flowers, Houseplants, Insect Pests, and Fertilizers.

Available by Phone — 715-346-1589.

Please leave message with support staff or on voice mail. Most calls are returned within 1 – 3 business days. Garden Line is answered by the UW-Extension Summer Horticulturist and Portage County Master Gardener Volunteers.

By E-Mail — mastergardener@co.portage.wi.us

Walk-ins — Stop in, during normal office hours to the Portage County UW-Extension office. Open Memorial Day through Labor Day

What we need for plant identification:

• 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 plastic bag; do NOT water.
• Wrap turf in foil; do NOT water.

What we need for insect identification:

• Insect specimen, preferably alive.
• Bring in a small jar or plastic container, so it doesn’t get squashed.
• Detail the location where it was found.

What we need for disease identification:

• For herbaceous plants, submit entire plant that has symptoms, if possible; otherwise, several leaves and stems.
• For woody plants, submit the branch that has symptoms (living and dead parts).
• Submit sample in plastic bag; do NOT add water.