Master

Gardener

The following information is provided to assist you in staffing the Master Gardener Office. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate calling on Charlie Spencer, David Barkley, or Bette Rose, (or other staff as appropriate) to assist. You are a valuable asset to the Cooperative Extension Service and we appreciate you !

ALL calls/inquiries relating to dune vegetation/coastal management should be directed to David Barkley or Charlie Spencer. For further assistance regarding staff responsibilities, please speak with David, Charlie, or Bette.

SUBJECT MATTER	CONTACT
Aquatic Weeds	David Barkley
Commercial Horticulture	Al Hight
Dune Vegetation/Coastal Management	Charlie, David or Al
Turfgrass	If a Master Gardener cannot assist, refer to: Charlie, David or Al
Golf Courses	Bette Rose

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Ø When answering the telephone, identify yourself as “Master Gardener” (your name).

Ø Request name, address, and telephone number of the caller. Ask for as much info as you can on the problem (never give information over the phone on the initial call; state that “you will look up the information and call back”)

Ø Call back after obtaining information and then mail written material if appropriate (see telephone instructions posted on desk and in notebook labeled Brunswick County Extension Master Gardener Office Manual.)

Ø To look up information: (a) use publication index directory (directory information is listed in alphabetical order by subject, specific details, and publication number or designation is provided; (b) AD (Alphabetically publication title and are not numbered; (c) Use Ortho Problem Solver. (d) use other publications (Extension publications should be used); (e) before making any chemical recommendations, check the NC Chemical Manual ; (f) as you become more familiar with the system, search mode on the computer internet is available (again, Extension recommendations/publications should be used).

Ø Also, refer to the notebook labeled Brunswick County Extension Master Gardener Office Manual – information and various procedures are contained in this notebook.

Ø Please fill out hotline request forms completely (additional hotline forms are located in the back of Hot Line book)

Ø Turfgrass Problems: Complete form located in hot line notebook

Ø Mark hotline forms with a green sticker along the edge of the page if the client was not reached (the next Master Gardener staffing the hotline should follow-up with the client).

Ø If soil sample boxes are submitted in a plastic bag, please remove the boxes from the plastic bag.

Ø Check hot line forms/notebook for incomplete items and follow-up daily (noted by green stickers)

Ø If unable to locate information or contact, leave instructions for next Master Gardener Volunteer or notify Charlie, Bette or Gina.

Ø If samples are placed in the refrigerator for a staff member to identify/diagnose, please give Bette a copy of the hot line sheet so that she can notify the appropriate staff member that the sample is in the refrigerator – otherwise, the staff member will not know the sample is there.

Ø Always notify Charlie Spencer if someone brings in a sample that needs to be mailed (does not include soil samples – includes water, waste water, turf, sludge, and insect and disease sample and requires a check or money order – NO CASH )

Ø Soil sample kits may be picked up and dropped off at several locations throughout the county. Locations are listed on the bulletin board. Recommend clients pick up kits rather than mailing the kits (saves postage). When calls are received from soil sample pick-up sites, notify Bette or the person listed on the bulletin board so they can be picked up.

Ø Under normal working conditions, about 3-4 weeks will be required for soil samples to reach Raleigh, for the sample to be analyzed, and for the results to be returned to the client (however, analysis time varies depending on the season-See Agronomic Division website for updated information). NOTE instructions for accessing diagnostic reports—located on the pull-out shelf under the computer along with “general” computer guidelines—the computer nearest the door; also note that many sites are “bookmarked” including the Agronomic Division for accessing reports.

Ø Discard insect and vegetation samples when no longer needed.

Ø Soil probe: see Bette

Ø Swine Operation Soil Samples/Lagoon Samples: In an effort to better serve swine producers, a process requesting the date of submitting soil samples and lagoon waste samples to the NCDA lab has been implemented. When you accept samples from swine producers notify Charlie (if Charlie out – give to Bette). Charlie Spencer will then enter the date samples are sent to the lab. Your help with this is greatly appreciated!

Ø Insect Identification Samples – white form: When a client is requested to bring in a sample for disease or insect identification, please request that they bring in the entire plant including the root system and some soil if possible. If the sample must be shipped to the lab, the lab requires the root system as well as the plant.

Ø Check with David or Charlie (or appropriate staff member) for assistance in identifying/diagnosing. Charlie, David or Al will determine if the sample needs to sent to the lab.

Ø Please note on the bulletin board the fees for various sample submissions and form to use. There is a $10 fee for samples submitted to the Plant Disease and Insect Clinic. Please share this with the client and suggest that the agent look at the sample prior to submitting to the clinic. DO NOT ACCEPT CASH. Must be check or money order.

Ø Keep the office clean and orderly – tidy up before leaving.

Ø Please log in your hours in the Master Gardener time sheet book. Blank sheets in back of book (make extras if necessary)

Ø Please do not take the last copy of any material. Duplicate if that is the last copy.