We’re here to help you grow!
The UConn Plant Diagnostic Laboratory (PDL) and the UConn Home & Garden Education Center (HGEC) are Extension services offered by the University of Connecticut, a land-grant University. The UConn PDL is funded, in part, by the USDA-NIFA and the state of Connecticut. The UConn PDL is a member of the National Plant Diagnostic Network.
We offer comprehensive plant heath solutions. Call or email the UConn HGEC for free horticultural consultations and identification. Looking for advice on what or when to plant? Trying to get advice on rotating crops? Want to learn more about invasive insects in Connecticut? Don’t know how to submit a sample for disease diagnosis or soil testing?
The friendly folks at the HGEC can help you or point you in the right direction! Samples being submitted to the PDL should be dropped off at the HGEC. Be sure to follow instructions provided on our sample submission page. Samples may be dropped-off 9:00am – 4:30pm, M-F.
UConn Home & Garden Education Center & UConn Plant Diagnostic Lab
Free Horticultural Consulting Service, Sample Drop-Off, and Plant/Insect Identification
1380 Storrs Road, Unit 4115, Rm 004 and 008
Storrs, CT, 06269-4115
Hours: Monday- Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm
860-486-6271
Submitting a sample? Let us know!
UConn PDL Staff:
Chenghao “Lou” Lou
Undergraduate Extension Assistant
Helen “Len” Schott
Undergraduate Extension Intern
Dr. Nick Goltz (he/him)
PDL Director & Assistant Extension Educator
Lab phone: 860-486-6740
Visiting & Parking Information
We are located in the Ratcliffe Hicks Building & Arena (1380 Storrs Rd, Storrs, CT 06269). Off of RT 195, turn onto Manter Rd. (formally Horsebarn Hill Rd. Ext.). Take your first right, down the short hill. At the bottom of the hill, take a right to the rear of Ratcliffe Hicks Building & Arena. Park against the big stone wall in one of the two parking spaces for visitors to the Home & Garden Education Center. Enter the building via the handicap ramp. The HGEC is where you will drop-off your sample(s) – room 004. If you would like contactless drop-off or if there is nobody available to assist, samples may be dropped-off in the labeled red cooler near the entrance. It is checked each day M-F.
The University of Connecticut complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding non-discrimination, equal opportunity and affirmative action, including the provision of reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. UConn does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religious creed, age, sex, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, genetic information, physical or mental disability, veteran status, prior conviction of a crime, workplace hazards to reproductive systems, gender identity or expression, or political beliefs in its programs and activities. Employees, students, visitors, and applicants with disabilities may request reasonable accommodations to address limitations resulting from a disability.