Your New Best Friend – The Extension Service
By Vanessa Richins
The Cooperative Extension Service may just become one of the best gardening friends you have ever had.
What is the Extension Service?
In 1862, Congress created the land grant system, which mandated that there would be a university in each state that provided agricultural and mechanical education. A later act created research stations for the universities. The Extension Service was created in 1914 to bring the research results to the general public.
Are you wondering if your soil needs nutrients? You can send off a sample to their lab for testing. Costs and elements tested will vary by state.
For example, here in Utah, a soil test costs $15. You will receive results telling you the soil texture, pH, salinity, amount of organic matter, and levels of nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus, zinc, iron, copper, manganese, and sulfur. They also give you fertilizer and amendment suggestions based on these results.
Do you wonder why the leaves are curling on your tree? See a strange bug in your yard? Have a general gardening question? You can call their office for answers. You can also mail off a sample of what you are trying to identify to the office.
They also offer you the opportunity to become a Master Gardener. I recently went through the 2 month class. We went twice a week for 2 hours. We had an open book test, and you have to do 40 hours of community service such as answering phones, teaching garden classes, and judging produce at county fairs. If you want a gardening job, this is a great credential to add to your resume.
They also offer other services, like home finances, emergency preparedness, and the 4-H program.
Ready to give them a call? Find your local office on their national website.
