Call ahead to drop off samples.

Community Horticulture Hotline & Diagnostic Lab

The lab is operated by our Master Gardener with the assistance of our CCEDC Horticulture Dept. Our volunteers can help identify plants and insects, diagnose plant diseases, or identify damage caused by insects. 

Please Note: 

All samples must be in a sealed ziplock bag upon entering the building.

Samples are accepted by appointment only. 

We do not accept any samples by mail. 

Call 845-677-8223 to set up a drop-off time.

When submitting samples for diagnostic tests to our lab, all samples must be:

• In a sealed bag (Ziplock or equivalent)
• Paid (CASH OR CHECK ONLY) in full, prior to diagnosis.
• Accompanied by our diagnostic form. Include as many details of the issue as you can on the form. See CCEDC Form for all the details needed.
• Photos should also be (included) emailed when at all possible. Please ensure it is well-focused and shows the whole or a larger section of the plant and a close-up view of the issue. Also, reference your last name and the date the sample was dropped off in the subject line.

Horticulture Diagnostic Lab Fees: 

Insect ID:                                $ 20.00 per sample.

Plant ID:                                 $ 20.00 per sample.

Disease Diagnoses:               $ 20.00 per sample.

Our Diagnostic Lab does not accept Bed Bugs, Lice, or Fleas for identification.  

The Horticulture Hotline is now open for the season!

Hotline Hours:

April through September

Mondays & Wednesdays | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

During these hours, Master Gardener Volunteers are available to answer your questions and help you grow with confidence. We accept diagnostic samples by appointment only; call 845-677-8223 to schedule. This will help ensure your sample will be as fresh as possible for the lab.

We look forward to helping your garden thrive this season!

Ask Extension:

Questions can also be submitted at Ask Extension. Look for the Ask a New Question button, then select New York from the dropdown menu, and then finally select the county closest to you. That county's Master Gardener volunteers answer incoming inquiries. If a photograph is included, please ensure it is in focus and as close-up as possible.

Cornell Diagnostic Services:

More information can also be found at Cornell University Diagnostic Services:

• Cornell University Insect Diagnostic Laboratory
• Cornell University Plant Disease Diagnostic Clinic

Gardening Information:

• Visit the Cornell Garden Based Learning Website to learn more about vegetables, fruits, lawns, trees, shrubs, houseplants, soil, composting and pests.
• New York State Integrated Pest Management for Communities for structural and garden pests.
• Websites for Gardeners  - many topics, including bees, nuisance wildlife, mushrooms, invasive plants, certified arborists and weed ID. 

Last updated April 3, 2026