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.

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.

If you have a gardening question or concern…

You can 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.

Or you can email Julie Hill, Horticulture Outreach Specialist directly at julie.hill@wisc.edu

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

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