How to Submit a Sample

If you have issues or questions about soil, plants or insects in Ventura County, we'd like to help. Utilizing our Master Gardener Program and farm advisors, we'll do our best to help you identify the sample and problem solve if necessary.

A few points:

First, if it looks like it could be Asian Citrus Psyllid, the insect needs to stay where you find it. Call the CDFA pest hotline at (800) 491-1899 and they'll give you instructions. Check out our Agricultural Threats webpages for more information.

Secondly, if your insect is from outside of Ventura County you need to contact the Agricultural Commissioner's office in that county or the UCCE office that covers that area.

Thirdly, when bringing in a sample it must be enclosed in a clear, zip-close plastic bag. We cannot accept non-contained samples.

Options for Seeking Help

Home Gardeners:

Call the Master Gardener Help Line at 805-645-1455.  The Master Gardeners' experience and comprehensive data resources are likely to provide the help you seek. Master Gardeners are in the office from 1 to 4 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. During those hours you may speak to someone directly. After hours you may leave a voice mail that will be returned during the next Help Line session.

Email the Master Gardeners:  Send an email to mgventura@ucdavis.edu and attach pictures of your sample. Provide as much detail as possible.  The Master Gardeners will review the information and get back to you during Help Line hours.

Visit the UCCE Ventura Office:  You may bring your sample to our office during normal business hours at 669 County Square Dr. Suite 100, Ventura, CA 93003. You'll be asked to fill out a Sample Submission form on-line before you come in or at our front desk. If you visit during Master Gardener Help Line hours you will be directed to their desk and they'll help you.  If it's outside of Help Line hours, your information will be directed to the Master Gardeners or appropriate staff member. 

Commercial Submissions:

UCCE staff members have experience in commercial growing issues and can advise you accordingly.

Call us:  We have staff members that can help you. Contact 805-645-1450 to get the appropriate staff member. Be sure to identify your company and issue so we can direct you to the right person.

Visit the UCCE Ventura Office:  You may bring your sample to our office during normal business hours at 669 County Square Dr., Ventura, CA 93003. We ask that you fill out a Sample Submission form Sample Submission form on-line before arriving or when you come into the office. Your sample must be sealed in a clear, zipper-close plastic bag. We cannot accept unsealed samples. Once the sample has been reviewed you will be contacted via phone or email. This process can take up to 10 business days.