Cooperative Extension Garden Information Line Now Open

Wondering how to conserve water while still enjoying flowers this spring? Trying to determine if it’s time to plant tomatoes? Does your lawn need help?

The Alabama Cooperative Extension System Horticulture Information Line is now open for questions this year.

Master Gardeners are standing by the phones to answer your questions. Master Gardeners provide answers based on current research and best practices under the supervision of Extension agents.

Alabama Master Gardener outreach coordinator Ellen Huckabay says the toll-free help line is generally open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will be available until early fall. Some of the information lines have slightly different schedules.

“Gardeners should make use of this excellent resource,” says Huckabay. “Volunteers who answer the phones provide answers and also point people to additional materials including Extension publications and other materials available both online and at the county Extension office.”

To reach the Horticulture Information Line, dial 1-877-252-GROW (4769). Callers will be asked to select from one of five regional help lines.

Citizens in Baldwin, Butler, Clarke, Conecuh, Escambia, Mobile, Monroe, Washington, and Wilcox counties are served by the Southwest Alabama information line.

Serving central and east Alabama, the Central Alabama help line is assisting gardeners and homeowners in 13 counties. They include Cleburne, Clay, Talladega, Randolph, Coosa, Tallapoosa, Chambers, Autauga, Elmore, Lee, Russell, Macon and Montgomery counties.

The North Central Alabama help line serves Jefferson, Shelby, Chilton, Bibb, Tuscaloosa, Walker, Winston, Marion, Fayette, Lamar and Pickens counties.
The Northwest Alabama information line serves the Shoals and Tennessee Valley areas, including Lauderdale, Limestone, Madison, Morgan, Lawrence, Franklin and Colbert counties.

Citizens in Jackson, Marshall, Dekalb, Cullman, Blount, Etowah, Cherokee, St. Clair, and Calhoun counties are served by the Northeast Alabama help line.

She says the regions were created by grouping counties that have similar soils and climate, making the service more tailored to the caller.

“We’re excited about this service that our Master Gardeners are providing to gardeners and homeowners across Alabama.”

Posted by lawremc at April 9, 2008 11:26 AM | TrackBack