Orange County is the 5th largest county in the state of Florida. Our residents are fortunate to have access to 2 free Plant Clinics, one of which is located in Apopka at the UF/IFAS Mid-Florida Research and Education Center (MREC)! 

At our Plant Clinics, residents can find answers to what’s ailing their landscapes, from lawns to vegetable gardens to potted plants and more. Our Apopka location is open every Tuesday from 9 a.m. to noon. The clinic is staffed by two experienced Orange County Master Gardener Volunteers, who assist residents by identifying plant pests and diseases, and then recommending science-based solutions.

Residents can bring samples and plant-related questions to the clinic located in the UF/IFAS Extension Mid-Florida Research Education Center, 2725 Binion Road, Apopka, 407-254-9200. They also can email their questions and photos to orangecomgv@ifas.ufl.edu to be answered by Master Gardener Volunteers.

Here are the guidelines for bringing samples to the clinic-

• Plant samples should include flowers, live leaves and roots if possible. Bring a sample that includes as many features as possible. Place in a plastic bag and do not add a wet paper towel or water. Bring samples to the Plant Clinic on the day collected, otherwise keep it refrigerated until you can bring it in.
• Sod samples should be about 1-foot square with mostly green turf, some brown turf and roots. Place in a plastic or paper bag, shoe box or any suitable container. The fresher the material, the easier it is to diagnose the problem.
• Insect samples should be placed in a jar or other suitable container. Collect more than one specimen if possible. Samples can be dead or alive, but should include all attached ligaments for proper identification.

If more research is required, Master Gardener Volunteers will follow up with a phone call or email to the resident. Interested in our Orlando Plant Clinic location? Check out this blog for more! https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/orangeco/2023/05/17/changes-to-the-orange-county-plant-clinic/. Both our Apopka Plant Clinic and Orlando Plant Clinic serve residential clients only. If you are a commercial grower or landscape professional, please check out the Commercial Plant Production & Diagnostic Clinic at https://mrec.ifas.ufl.edu/extension/plant-clinic/commercial/.

The Florida Master Gardener Volunteer Program is a citizen-driven program that benefits UF/IFAS Extension and the residents of Florida. The program relies on dedicated volunteers who have an interest in gardening and in giving back to their communities. Orange County’s Master Gardener Volunteer Program has been serving the citizens of Orange County since 1981.

Blog co-written by Mick Lochridge, Master Gardener Volunteer, and Clarissa Chairez, Master Gardener Volunteer Coordinator

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