Cape Cod Gardeners: Get Free Gardening Help This Summer
Published on: May 12, 2026
Ask a Master Gardener, troubleshoot plant problems, and access free soil pH testing through Cape Cod Cooperative Extension.
As the gardening season gets underway across Cape Cod, many gardeners start noticing the same questions popping up:
Why are my tomato leaves turning yellow?
What is eating my hydrangeas?
Why is this shrub struggling?
Do I need to add lime to my soil?
Cape Cod Cooperative Extension and the Master Gardener Association of Cape Cod are here to help.
Throughout the growing season, the Horticulture Clinic and Master Gardener volunteers provide free gardening help for Cape Cod residents, including plant problem diagnosis, soil pH testing, and answers to gardening questions.
Ask a Master Gardener This Summer
Master Gardener volunteers will be available at several locations across Cape Cod this summer to answer gardening questions and help residents troubleshoot plant problems.
Bring:
- Plant samples
- Photos of the problem
- Insects or leaf damage
- Gardening questions
Whether you are growing vegetables, flowers, shrubs, or houseplants, Master Gardeners can help you figure out what may be happening in your garden.
Upcoming Ask a Master Gardener Locations
Eastham Library
190 Samoset Road, Eastham
Thursdays, June 4 through August 27
10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Brewster Ladies Library
1822 Main Street, Brewster
Tuesdays, May 26 through September 22
10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Falmouth Public Library
300 Main Street, Falmouth
Katharine Lee Bates Entrance
Wednesdays, May 13 through September 16
2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Taylor Bray Farm Farmer’s Markets
108 Bray Farm North, Yarmouth Port
Sundays, May 24 through September 20
9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Free Gardening Help from the Horticulture Clinic
The Cape Cod Cooperative Extension Horticulture Clinic provides free diagnostic services for Cape Cod residents.
The clinic can help with:
- Plant identification
- Plant disease diagnosis
- Insect identification
- Vegetable garden problems
- Tree and shrub concerns
- Soil pH testing
Gardeners often contact the clinic about:
- Yellowing or spotted leaves
- Wilting plants
- Insect damage
- Poor plant growth
- Shrubs or trees that are struggling
- Questions about unknown plants or insects
Horticulture Clinic Hours for Spring and Summer
April through September
Monday, Wednesday, and Friday
9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
How to Contact the Horticulture Clinic
Email: gardeners@capecod.gov
Phone: (508) 375-6700
Gardeners can also submit questions online and upload photos of plant problems. Close-up photos are especially helpful when diagnosing issues.
Free Soil pH Testing for Cape Cod Gardeners
Many Cape Cod soils are naturally acidic. Soil pH affects how plants absorb nutrients and grow.
Testing soil pH can help gardeners decide whether soil amendments, such as lime, may improve plant health and garden performance.
The Horticulture Clinic provides free soil pH testing and guidance for Cape Cod residents.
How to Prepare a Soil Sample
For the best results:
- Choose the area you want to test, such as a lawn, vegetable garden, or flower bed.
- Collect several small soil samples from the area, about 6 to 8 inches deep.
- Mix the samples together and remove stones, roots, and debris.
- Allow the soil to air dry completely.
- Submit about one cup of dry soil with the soil submission form.
Soil Sample Drop-Off Information
Cape Cod Cooperative Extension
Horticulture Clinic
1358 Route 28
South Yarmouth, MA 02673
Looking for More Detailed Soil Testing?
The Horticulture Clinic provides soil pH testing and pH adjustment guidance.
Gardeners looking for a full nutrient analysis and fertilizer recommendations may also submit samples to the UMass Soil and Plant Nutrient Testing Laboratory.
Learn More
Visit the Horticulture Clinic webpage to:
- Submit gardening questions
- Download soil testing forms
- Learn about common plant problems
- Access gardening resources
Cape Cod Cooperative Extension: Working for You
Follow Cape Cod Cooperative Extension on Facebook and Instagram for resources, updates, and events.
Learn more about all our programs at capecod.gov/extension.
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