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UC Marin Master Gardeners

Help Desk

Have a garden problem? 
Contact us at the Help Desk
James & Selwyn Help Desk

The Marin Master Gardener Help Desk is a garden problem solving and information resource provided through the University of California Cooperative Extension for Marin County residents.

PLEASE NOTE: If you are NOT a Marin County resident, please contact your county's local Cooperative Extension office. They will be able to provide more accurate information based on your local climate and conditions.

BEFORE CONTACTING US
Consider trying to identify or narrow down the causes of your plant problem before contacting us. It will help you gather information so we can better assist you. For many issues, the IPM Plant Problem Diagnostic Tool may give you the answers you need. We highly recommend it!

WAYS TO CONTACT US:

1. EMAIL US at: helpdesk@marinmg.org
When you email us with your question, be ready to include some details:

• One problem / info request per email
• A statement of what you would like to know
• Details of the problem:
- Where is the plant located (address)?
- What type of plant is it (if you know)?
- How old is the plant?
- How much sun and water the plant receives?
- Has the problem just started or has it been going on for some time?
- Has there been recent chemical use (including fertilizer) on the plant?
- Is there anything else that may help diagnose the problem?
• Please send photos:
- Showing the affected portion of the plant
- Showing the healthy portions of the plant and entire plant if possible
- That are high resolution and in focus 

2. CALL US 
Contact our Help Desk at 415.473.4910 

3. VISIT US IN PERSON
We have limited visiting hours at this time.  Please call us first at 415.473.4910 to ascertain hours that we will be open to receive inquiries. 
 
4. USE OUR 24/7 SPECIMEN DROP OFF BOX 
The Specimen Drop Box is located outside of our door, with inquiry forms and gallon bags that seal.
 
1. COMPLETE the inquiry form
2. SEAL specimen in the gallon bag
3. ATTACH completed inquiry form to the bag
4. PLACE Inquiry into drop box
5. Your specimen will be researched and the results emailed to you
 
Please! Do not place anything in drop box larger than a gallon bag, or without a completed form, or we will not be able to process your Inquiry.

UCCE Master Gardener Help Desk
1682 Novato Boulevard, Suite 150B
Novato, CA 94947


ADDITIONAL REFERRAL RESOURCES & USEFUL LINKS
Need additional help with referrals? While we cannot refer or recommend specific companies or persons, here are lists that may help you with your garden and landscaping needs:

> Aesthetic pruners
Find a certified arborist in your area
Find a consulting arborist
> Qualified Water Efficient Landscaper (QWEL) referrals
for professionals trained in efficient irrigation principles and sustainable landscaping practices
> En Español
> The Top 20 Garden Problems We See in Marin
> PROBLEMS: How to solve them, pests & common problems
> Biological Control & Natural Enemies
> BACK TO ASK US