Ask Us Questions
Do you have a lawn, garden, tree, or insect question? Get a research science-based answers from our experts!
Trained Extension Master Gardener Volunteers are usually available Monday-Friday, 8am-4pm and respond to requests within 2 business days.
Call
HORTICULTURE HELPLINE
402-444-7804, option 2
Monday-Friday, 9am-noon & 1pm-4pm
Leave a detailed message and expect a response within 2 business days.
Stop In
WALK IN
8015 W Center Rd, Omaha 68124
Monday-Friday, 9am-noon & 1pm-4pm
Stop in for a face-to-face consult or to leave a sample. Call ahead at 402-444-7804, option 0 to confirm volunteers are available.
FAQs - Find answers to frequently asked questions.
Where can I get my soil tested?
We don't perform soil tests, but Midwest Labs does. Check out their website at midwestlabs.com, or give them a call at 402-334-7770. Once you have the report, we can help you interpret the analysis if you still have questions.
What’s the current soil temperature?
There is a weather station at our office at 8015 W. Center Rd. Copy and paste the website http://downtowndundeewx.net/MGWxStation/ to see the soil temperatures at 4” and 10”.
Where do I start when looking for an arborist?
The Nebraska Forest Service has recommendations on how to choose an arborist or tree service. You can find a certified arborist in your area by searching the Nebraska Arborist Association or International Society of Arboriculture websites. If you live in Omaha, you can find a list of licensed arborists on the City of Omaha website.
Do you offer landscape design work?
No, we do not create landscape designs. Our staff and volunteers are limited to providing plant recommendations to help you choose the right plant for the right site.
Why are ladybugs (and other insects) coming into my house by the dozens and what should I do about it?
There are a handful of different insects that we call “fall invaders.” Fall invaders include multicolored Asian lady beetles, brown marmorated stink bugs, boxelder bugs, western conifer seed bugs, and cluster flies. Instead of seeking protection under bark and in leaf litter, these insects prefer to spend the winter sheltered from the elements inside our homes in attics, wall voids, and outbuildings. They congregate on warm, sunny fall days and walk upward looking for entryways into the home – open doors, windows, utility openings, and other holes. The best way to keep them out is to seal the gaps and fix window screens to exclude them. The only time insecticide treatment is effective is before insects enter the fall. Once they are indoors, the best solution is to sweep or vacuum them up. Though they may be plentiful, they do not reproduce indoors.
Why are there small flies in my house, particularly around my potted plants?
Fungus gnats are small flies that breed and complete their life cycle in the planting medium of overwatered potted plants. This occurs in cooler months because plants take up less water, but humans continue to water on a schedule. Yellow sticky traps will catch flying adults, but to solve the issue in the long-term, the soil must be dried out to break the life cycle.
