Office Services

MSU Extension offers a broad range of research-based educational outreach to county residents

Home, Yard and Garden

Toll Free Lawn and Garden Hotline: 1-888-678-3464 (1-888-MSUE-4MI)

The hotline is staffed by MSU Extension Consumer Horticulture Educators and Master Gardener volunteers, the Hotline is available weekdays 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. When calling the 1-888-678-3464 number, please make sure to choose Option #1 for the Hotline.

Plant and Insect Diagnostics

Questions involving plant health analysis, plant/weed identification, and insect infestation may be answered by also calling toll-free 1-888-678-3464 (Option 1). If a complete diagnostic analysis is necessary, a live sample may be sent to the Michigan State University Center for Integrated Plant Systems (CIPS) for a fee. Go online for more information on the services offered by CIPS.

Summer Diagnostic Clinic

The 2025 clinic has ended, but will begin again in Spring 2026.

Led by Dr. Nate Walton, our Master Gardener volunteers staff weekly Diagnostic Clinics, fielding your questions and helping to identify pests and problems in your garden or lawn.
Plant and pest samples can still be brought to the Grand Traverse MSU Extension office and will be identified as soon as possible.

Garden Resources

For more information, visit the Gardening in Michigan website.

Educational Bulletins & Publications

Extension Educational bulletins / publications are sold in the office; however, best to call ahead for availability. You can also search for and order bulletins at our MSU Extension Bookstore Publications from the convenience of your home!

Soil Testing

Don’t guess…soil test!

Home Soil Test Kit

Residential Lawns, Vegetable Gardens, Flower Gardens, Trees and Shrubs

Available to purchase for $26 in our office with cash, check or credit card; or order online with credit card at MSU Extension Bookstore – Bulletin E-3154 Note: You must provide an email address as results will be sent directly to you via email. If you would like help interpreting test results, call our statewide Lawn and Garden Helpline at 1-888-678-3464, option 1.

Commercial

Agricultural Crops, Commercial Growers, Pastures and Wildlife Forage

Soil boxes for sample collection CANNOT be ordered on-line but can be purchased at the office at a cost of $18 each. You’ll receive a Soil Sample Information form to complete and send with your samples to the MSU Soil and Plant Nutrient Laboratory. Test results will be interpreted by an agricultural Extension educator. If you are unable to come to our office to purchase your soil sample box or you would like to purchase a large quantity of boxes, you will need to contact the Soil & Plant Nutrient Lab at 517-355-0218. Our office is not able to mail the boxes to you. To understand your soil test results, fertilizer calculator etc. online at the MSU Soil Test.com

Simple Vegetable Garden Plans

Reminiscent of the "Victory Gardens" planted during World War I and World War II and designed for the Grand Traverse region by our Master Gardener Coordinator, Nate Walton, these plans can be used by both beginners and experienced gardeners. The plants suggested have been specially selected to not only feed your family, but also can be donated to food pantries to fill the anticipated need for “staples” - fresh vegetables most likely to be used and that can store better if they are not used right away.

Pesticide Applicator Program

Certification, Training, Exams & Manuals

Certification and Training

- - MSU Extension Pesticide Training & Certification
  - Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development (MDARD)

Questions About Certification

- - Contact Dr. Safa Alzohairy, Pesticide Safety Education Coordinator, Michigan State University
  - Contact Pesticide Section, Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD)

All exam and scheduling questions should be addressed to MDARD

Manuals for Certification Training

- - Can be purchased at the office; however, we suggest calling ahead to check availability.
    (231) 922-4620
  - MSU Pesticide Manuals – can be purchased online with credit card.

2024 Landlord Tenant Guide

Written and developed by the Housing Justice Clinic at the Michigan State University College of Law. The Housing Justice Clinic advances the cause of safe, decent, sanitary, fair, open, and affordable housing in mid-Michigan. Students deal with all aspects of the landlord-tenant relationship, including educating residents on their basic rights, working with tenants who are on the brink of eviction, assisting renters who are living in unsafe conditions, and connecting people with community resources.

The 2024 Landlord Tenant Guide was created to help tenants navigate their rights and responsibilities under the applicable federal and state laws, including the Michigan Landlord-Tenant Act of 1972 and the Michigan Truth in Renting Act of 1978. The guide serves as a useful reference for a variety of matters, including, but not limited to, mediation, repairs and maintenance, and additional concerns, including civil rights, LGBTQIA+ protections, potential legal reforms, and other laws that may affect leases.