I am starting two 12’x4’x1’ garden beds that I intend to use for growing edible vegetables and flowers. I have read that, especially in urban and suburban areas, checking your soil for lead above the usual background levels is important for gardens containing edible plants. When I looked up OSU’s Franklin County extension office soil testing kits that are sent to Penn State University, it did not include lead in the values being tested. Is this because it is not as warranted to test for lead in our area or is there another way to request heavy metal testing when submitting the soil?

I have beautiful peonies. I know they don't like anything else in the bed with them. Can I use mulch to keep the weeds away? Or can I use preen? Or please suggest options for me.

My petunias are developing malformed in one of my 7 planters. The plants aren't loosing leaves and it appears to only affect the flowers. I had this problem late in the summer last year and a local master gardener told me it was just because they were done blooming for the season. Since they are doing it again, I think it's safe to say thats not the issue. The dianthus, bacopa and Dusty Miller in the pot seem fine. The Nicotainia also looks to be suffering the same condition as the petunias. The planter is a whiskey barrel. Any suggestions?

11 Of 12 tomato plants show similar growth pattern. One is very severe. Is this cause for concern?

Do you know what disease is making my geraniums look like this and what I should do about it? Thanks

This is growing all along a farmers field near me. If it is poison hemlock, should I report to someone?

any ideas what this condition is on my rose bush and how i can treat it? the leaves have developed black spots and some leaves have turned yellow. the rose has not previously had this condition and has otherwise been healthy and vigorous. the bush grows in a large terra cotta pot in a bricked courtyard. thank you!

Can you identify?

I’m attaching some pictures of my hydrangeas that I have in my front yard they get the morning sun, but for some reason, they seem to not have new growth on their prior years stems they grow from the bottom up. I’m not sure why this is happening. I think this is the second year this is happened The ones in my backyard fill out from the prior to your stems. Am I doing something wrong with these?

I live in Waverly, MN and my neighbor has 2 dying ash I fear it is emerald ash bore. I have one healthy one but cannot to find an Arborist in my area to look at my tree and treat it. Most "Tree Care" companies out here just do removal and stump grinding. Can you point me to resources so I can find someone to come out and take a look at my ash and treat it, I would hate to lose this tree. - Thanks.