Call the Master Gardener Helpline

By Katie Nichols

What is that persistent weed growing in the flower bed? Why does it keep coming back? Why do these squash leaves look diseased? If that hydrangea bush is trimmed, will it still bloom? When is the best time to plant okra?

If you’re struggling to find these answers, give the Alabama Cooperative Extension System’s Master Gardeners a call. Available from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday, the Master Gardener (MG) Helpline is a one-stop shop for yard and garden troubleshooting.

Call 1-877-ALA-GROW

The toll-free helpline at 1-877-ALAGROW connects callers with a knowledgeable team of MG volunteers who can help answer the most pressing gardening questions. Armed with research and Alabama Extension publications, these volunteers can also contact specialists to find the answers gardeners need to help their gardens grow.

Mallory Kelley, a home grounds regional agent who oversees central Alabama’s helpline, said the program is a great example of Extension’s outreach mission. Volunteers from MG groups around the state work the phones answering questions. These questions run the gamut from vegetable gardens to bulbs and trees.

“The helpline has been in existence since 2006 as a statewide effort,” Kelley said. “We’ve always had helpline callers, but the pandemic really ratcheted up the need. Before, volunteers worked the helpline in March through August, but now there is a need for Master Gardener expertise year-round.”

Kelley said the newest way to contact the MG volunteers is to submit a form at acesagmg.site. Users who submit a help request form with detailed information about issues in the yard or garden receive a prompt reply from MG volunteers manning the line.

Alabama Master Gardener Program

The Alabama Extension MG program was developed to increase the availability of home horticultural information through qualified volunteers and to improve communities through volunteer projects.

“The Master Gardener program is an example of partnership between land-grant universities Auburn University and Alabama A&M University and motivated volunteers interested in educating their communities,” Kelley said.

The program is based on the idea of shared ownership. Extension staff and volunteers share ideas, visions, dreams and responsibilities for the program. To that end, volunteers have opportunities to work with Extension programs; federal, state and county agencies; and local schools and organizations. Many communities benefit from MG beautification projects and volunteers. MG volunteers also devote time to local schools and students.

Every volunteer contributes to the program’s success. They offer the community reliable gardening information and educational opportunities. Volunteers help in the county office or may provide an educational program for a civic group.

Master Gardener Helpline

Got home garden questions?

Call the Master Gardener Helpline at 1-877-ALA-GROW (252-4769).

Learn more about the Alabama Extension Master Gardener program by visiting aces.edu or contacting your local home grounds agent.