Horticultural & Environmental Sciences

Gardeners and green industry professionals often call the Extension Service for answers to their horticulture and environmental protection questions. Research based information is available for lawns and ornamentals, fruit and vegetable gardening, ponds and pastures, and agricultural production. The University of Georgia offers an extensive assortment of publications on their website. To view these publications, click here.

Soil can be tested for fertility; well water can be tested for safety and hardness. Visitors can bring samples of plants, weeds, or insects to the Cooperative Extension office for identification and sound advice to their questions.

Soil Sampling 

Soil testing will help you develop and maintain a more productive soil by providing information about the fertility status of your soil. Information from a soil test will help you select the proper liming and fertilization program to obtain optimal growth of lawn, garden, and ornamental plants. Soil samples may be brought to the Cooperative Extension office in a plastic or paper bag. For assistance on taking a soil test, click here.

 Water Testing 

Water quality is of great importance to many Americans today. Because of an increased interest in health, coupled with new information about or environment, the quality of our water receives a great amount of attention. This new focus on water quality has led many Americans to consider having their water tested. 

Public and municipal water supplies are routinely tested and must meet standards established by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and usually do not need to be tested by us. On the other hand, well water is often tested for bacterial contamination, mineral content, pesticide contamination, or the presence of certain chemicals. To read more about water testing, please click here.