UW-Extension Rock County offers research-based information to assist and educate the public in their gardening endeavors. Our services include assistance with plant identification and disease, insect identification and soil testing.

If you have a gardening question or concern…

Whether you’re growing houseplants, battling weeds in the backyard, or wondering what’s wrong with your landscape plants, help is just a click or a call away. UW-Madison Extension Rock County is here for all your plant and garden questions—no matter how big, small, strange, or stubborn.

Julie Hill, your local horticulture educator for Rock County, offers friendly, reliable support to help you grow your plants with confidence. This free service is available to everyone, whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just getting started.

Questions are answered year-round and can cover a wide range of topics including:

• Indoor plant care
• Vegetable and flower gardening
• Lawn health and maintenance
• Tree and shrub issues
• Weed and pest identification
• Soil and compost advice

UW-Madison Extension combines local knowledge with university research to help people across Wisconsin grow healthier plants, stronger communities, and greater confidence in the garden.

No matter your gardening style, experience, or space—this service is for you. So go ahead—ask your question. Let’s grow something good together.

There are many ways to get in touch and get your questions answered

You can submit your plant, yard, or garden questions through a simple online form: go.wisc.edu/PlantQ

Or you can reach Julie directly by phone or email.
julie.hill@wisc.edu
Office: 262-741-4958
Cell/Text: 262-374-4191
Appointments are also available.

You may also call the UW-Extension Rock County office at (608) 757-5066 at any time with your gardening question. Please leave a clearly stated phone number and a brief explanation of your gardening concern.

Wisconsin Horticulture

Please visit our Division of Extension Horticulture website to read articles about current gardening topics, find upcoming educational events in your area, and links to additional resources.

Soil Testing

A soil test is the only way to determine what nutrients are available in your soil. While you can find soil testing kits at stores or online, these are often not accurate. When you get your soil test results, recommendations are made for amendments to improve the soil based on what you are going to be growing.

For more information on home garden soils and how you can submit a sample, please visit the UW Soil and Forage Lab

For other non-gardening services:

• Human and household pest problems and concerns should be directed to the Rock County Environmental Health Department, (608) 757-5441.
• Emerald Ash Borer information, including homeowner reporting, should be direct to emeraldashborer.info.

Plant Disease Diagnostic Clinic

The University of Wisconsin-Madison Plant Disease Diagnostics Clinic (PDDC) provides assistance in identifying plant diseases and provides educational information on plant diseases and their control. Many times, for a diagnosis to be made, a sample (photographic and physical) will be needed. You can contact Julie Hill, Horticulture Outreach Specialist at julie.hill@wisc.edu for guidance and information. You can also check out the Plant Disease Diagnostic Clinic for sampling information and links to educational resources.

For any questions, concerns or for more information about horticulture related topics, please contact:
Julie Hill
Horticulture Outreach Specialist
Rock County
262-741-4958
julie.hill@wisc.edu