Homestead Gardens Diagnostic center is your one-stop solution for solving gardening problems. Here, customers may bring samples of sick or injured plants for diagnosis and recommended treatment. They can also receive guidance as to the proper way to plant seeds, bulbs and nursery stock, and what the customer can do to keep them healthy and thriving. They can even bring in plants, weeds, diseases and insects to be identified. Just as important, they get advice on garden products to treat problems, as well as when, where, and how to use them.

Located in the heart of our Garden Supply Department, the Diagnostics Center is staffed by knowledgeable associates who will provide advice and assistance in person or over the telephone. To better assist our customers, the Diagnostic Center staff asks customers to provide us with the following:

If possible, a sample of the plant, insect, weed, or diseased plant in a plastic zip-lock bag. Whenever you bring us a photo of the plant, please take a shot of the entire plant as well as a close-up of the plant leaves and flowers that exhibit the problem.

If a sample cannot be brought to the Diagnostic Center, please identify the plant with the problem, by its species or common name.

Please try to be specific when identifying the plant or the problem as accurately as possible, with as much pertinent detail as possible.

Come in to see us during normal business hours or call us at 443.607.1912. Or send an e-mail inquiry instead, with picture attachments (preferably as a JPG) to our horticulturist at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . The Diagnostics Center stands ready to help, providing solutions to your gardening problems.