Got gardening questions? You can always ask the Almanac, but you should also know about your own state’s cooperative extension service. They are made up of local experts who provide on-the-ground advice with tricky insect problems, the best varieties to plant in your area, and more! Here’s a list of cooperative extension offices by state.
What Is a Cooperative Extension?
A cooperative extension service is a public program that provides free, research-based gardening and agricultural advice through local universities and county offices.
In 1914, the U.S. Department of Agriculture partnered with a nationwide network of universities to create a system of “extension” services. The goal of these services was to provide farmers across the country with advice from local experts regarding all things agriculture and farming.
The program was a huge success, and today, there are extension services in all 50 states (though some are not associated with the USDA). Extension services routinely put on community events, hold lectures and courses, and answer gardening and farming questions from locals. Typically, an extension service has a “home base” located at a prominent university in the state, but will often have a series of county offices, too.
How Cooperative Extension Services Help Gardeners
Contact your state’s extension service for advice on gardening. They can help you with anything from dealing with local pests to choosing plant varieties suitable for your area. You can also get your garden soil tested (usually for a small fee), enroll in a Master Gardener program, or get your child involved in a 4-H club through the extension service.
Cooperative Extension Services by State
Although we LOVE to answer your gardening questions here on our website, sometimes the knowledge of a local expert is required! Consult the list below to find the cooperative extension service in your state for free advice.
Note: These website links may change occasionally, so please comment below if you find the link needs to be fixed, and we will update it. Thank you.
Alabama (Alabama A&M University, Auburn University, Tuskegee University)Alaska (University of Alaska Fairbanks)Arizona (Diné College, University of Arizona)Arkansas (University of Arkansas, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff)CaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelaware (Delaware State University, University of Delaware)District of ColumbiaFlorida (Florida A&M University, University of Florida)Georgia (Fort Valley State University, University of Georgia)HawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansas (Haskell Indian Nations University, Kansas State University)Kentucky (Kentucky State University, University of Kentucky)Louisiana (Louisiana State University, Southern University, and A&M College)MaineMaryland (University of Maryland, University of Maryland Eastern Shore)MassachusettsMichigan (Bay Mills Community College, Michigan State University, Saginaw Chippewa Tribal College)Minnesota (Leech Lake Tribal College, Red Lake Nation College, University of Minnesota)Mississippi (Alcorn State University, Mississippi State University)Missouri (Lincoln University, University of Missouri)Montana (Chief Dull Knife College, Aaniiih Nakoda College, Fort Peck Community College, Montana State University, Salish Kootenai College)Nebraska (Little Priest Tribal College, Nebraska Indian Community College, University of Nebraska)NevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew Mexico (Institute of American Indian and Alaska Native Culture and Arts Development, New Mexico State University)New YorkNorth Carolina (North Carolina A&T State University, North Carolina State University)North Dakota (Fort Berthold Community College, Cankdeska Cikana Community College, North Dakota State University, Sitting Bull College)Ohio (Central State University, Ohio State University)Oklahoma (Langston University, Oklahoma State University)OregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth Carolina (Clemson University, South Carolina State University)South Dakota (Sisseton Wahpeton College, South Dakota State University)Tennessee (Tennessee State University, University of Tennessee)Texas (Prairie View A&M University, Texas A&M University)UtahVermontVirginia (Virginia Tech, Virginia State University)Washington (Northwest Indian College, Washington State University)West Virginia (West Virginia State University, West Virginia University)Wisconsin (College of Menominee Nation, Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwa Community College, University of Wisconsin)WyomingCooperative Extensions in U.S. TerritoriesFrequently Asked QuestionsWhat is a cooperative extension service?
A cooperative extension service is a public education program, usually affiliated with a state university, that provides free or low-cost, research-based advice on gardening, agriculture, food, and natural resources to local communities.
Are cooperative extension services free to use?
Yes, most services—such as gardening advice, pest identification, and general consultations—are free. Some offerings, like soil testing or workshops, may require a small fee.
How do I find my local cooperative extension office?
You can find your local extension office by searching for your state name plus “cooperative extension service,” or by consulting the state-by-state list included in this guide.
Can a cooperative extension help with gardening problems?
Absolutely. Extension experts can help diagnose plant diseases, identify insects, recommend native or region-appropriate plants, and provide advice tailored to your local climate and soil conditions.
Do extension services offer soil testing?
Many cooperative extension offices offer soil testing for a small fee. Results typically include nutrient levels, pH balance, and recommendations for soil improvement.
What is the Master Gardener program?
The Master Gardener program is an educational volunteer program run through cooperative extensions. Participants receive in-depth horticultural training and then give back to their communities through gardening education and outreach.
Are cooperative extension services only for farmers?
No. While extensions were originally created to support farmers, they now serve home gardeners, landscapers, educators, families, and anyone interested in plants, food, and sustainable living.
Whether you’re battling a mysterious plant pest, choosing the best vegetable varieties for your region, or simply looking to grow a healthier garden, your state’s cooperative extension service is one of the most valuable (and underused) resources available. Take advantage of it—you’ll be growing smarter in no time.
Have you ever worked with your local extension office? Let us know what they helped you with in the comments!
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