Help for Gardeners

The CCE Delaware Horticulture program provides support and services that can help home gardeners with a variety of gardening challenges.

Helpline

Delaware County residents can call our office at 607-865-6531 with gardening questions or concerns. The horticulturist or a Master Gardener Volunteer on will respond to your call as soon as possible. You can also email questions to the contact listed at the bottom of this page.

Soil Testing Services

You can obtain pH and texture soil tests through CCE Delaware. Download a Soil Testing Fact Sheet and instructions for taking a soil sample before bringing your sample to CCE Delaware for pH testing.

Dairy-One Soils Laboratory (800) 344-2697 x 2179

State specific Agro-One packages are targeted to customer needs. Due to the diversity of soils in North America, there are many different soil tests used to characterize the nutrient content of soils.
Each test was developed based on the chemistry of the soils and crop response in the region where the test will be used. Agro-One offers soil test packages and nutrient guidelines to meet the diverse needs of commercial crop producers and home owners here in the Northeast. * New York customers also have the option of an Agro-One analysis with Cornell recommendations.

Standard soil nutrient test
This test provides recommendations for establishment and maintenance of home lawns and gardens, commercial turf, commercial vegetables, commercial fruit, and field crops (pasture, hay, annual crops). Measures pH (in water), phosphorous, potassium, calcium, magnesium and micro nutrients including organic matter. Samples are sent to Agro-One Lab located at 730 Warren Rd., Ithaca. Expect at least two weeks for test results to be returned.

Insect, Disease or Plant Identification

Samples of insects, weeds, and potential invasive species may be brought to our office in Hamden for identification. If necessary, samples can be sent to Cornell University for identification, at a charge of $25/sample. Please read this information about how to submit an insect sample to The Cornell University Insect Diagnostic Laboratory.

Seed Saving Resources

For more information on saving seeds and a list of organizations that promote seed saving, seed production and plant breeding, go to Cornell University’s resource page on all things seedy!

Last updated January 14, 2026