Office Services

Educational Bulletins & Publications

Financial transactions by cash, check, or credit cards via a QR code; however, please note that we are not able to accept credit card payments for some workshops and events.

Extension Educational bulletins / publications are sold in the office, however, it is best to call ahead for availability. You can also search for and order bulletins at our MSU Extension Bookstore Publications

Soil Testing (Don't Guess...soil test!)

Home Lawn and Garden Soil Test Mailer

Residential Lawns, Vegetable Gardens, Flower Gardens, Trees and Shrubs

Available to purchase for $26 in our office; or order online at the MSU Extension Bookstore at  http://shop.msu.edu/product_p/bulletin-e3154.html. Note: You must provide an email address as results will be sent directly to you via email.

If you would like help interpreting test results, call our statewide Lawn and Garden Helpline at 1-888-678-3464, option 1. Hotline is staffed by MSU Extension Consumer Horticulture Educators and Master Gardener volunteers, the Hotline is available weekdays 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. When calling the 1-888-678-3464 number, please make sure to choose Option #1 for the Lawn and Garden Hotline.

Toll Free Lawn and Garden Hotline: 1-888-678-3464 (1-888-MSUE-4MI)

Commercial Field Crop Soil Test

Agriculture Crops, Commercial Growers, Pastures and Wildlife Forage

Soil boxes for sample collection cannot be ordered on-line but can be purchased at the office at a cost of $18 each.  You will receive a Soil Sample Information form to complete and send with your samples to the Laboratory. Test results will be interpreted by an agricultural Extension educator. To understand your soil test results, fertilizer calculator etc. please visit https://homesoiltest.msu.edu/

Plant and Insect Diagnostics

Questions involving plant health analysis, plant/weed identification and insect infestation may be answered by also calling toll-free 1-88-678-3464 (Option 1). If a complete diagnostic analysis is necessary, a live sample may sent to the Michigan State University Center for Integrated Plant Systems (CIPS) for a fee. There is more information on services offered by CIPS.

Ask Extension

Ask Extension offers one-to-one answers from MSU Extension experts and Extension Master Gardener volunteers on topics such as lawns, gardening, agriculture, nutrition and physical activity, food safety, food preservation, natural resources, community development, youth programming and more!

  • If you are asking questions relating to pests or plant disease, please include close-up photos of the entire plant or pest (and as much detail as possible) to help our experts identify the issue.
  • We do not answer questions relating to mushroom identification, household mold, or medical advice.

During holidays it may take a few additional days for you to receive a response to your question while our staff and volunteers enjoy some time away from their work. Thank you!

Pesticide Applicator Program; Certification, Training, Exams & Manuals

Certification and Training

To schedule an exam or for questions, contact Michigan Department of Ag (MDA) at 1-800-292-3939.

Manuals for Certification Training

  • Manuals can be purchased at the office, however, it is suggested that you call ahead to make sure they are in stock.
  • Manuals can also be purchased online with a credit card at the National Pesticide Safety Education Center.

Food Preservation: Pressure Cooker Gauge Testing

Testing of canner gauges or lids is available by appointment. Call 269-673-0370 Ext. 2556 or email simondsr@msu.edu to set up an appointment.