Hours & Contact
Hours: Monday–Friday, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Location: Hutaff Building, New Hanover County Arboretum, 6206 Oleander Dr., Wilmington, NC 28403
Phone: 910-798-7680 or 910-798-7679
What We Do
The Plant Clinic offers free, research-based guidance for home gardeners, including:
- Plant selection and site-right plant guidance
- Identify weeds, insects, and plant diseases
- Help avoid overuse of garden chemicals; share integrated pest management practices
- Facilitate agronomic services offered through the NC Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services (NCDA&CS)
- Route samples to NC State University’s Plant Disease and Insect Clinic (PDIC) or the Turf Diagnostics Lab when needed
Fees (when applicable)
- Soil testing: No fee April 1 – November 30; $5 per sample December 1 – March 31
- Nematode Assay: $10.00
- Pinewood Nematode Assay: $15.00
- Nematode Species ID (Molecular Diagnosis): $40.00
- Solution Analysis (irrigation water, not potable water): $10.00
- Plant Tissue Analysis: $10.00
- Standard Waste/Compost Analysis: $15.00
- Soilless Media Analysis: $10.00
The Plant Clinic can also send samples to the Plant Disease and Insect Clinic (PDIC) or the Turf Diagnostics Lab at NC State:
- Digital photos for identification: free
- Physical samples of ornamentals or turf: $20.00 (if submitted via Extension agent)
Instructions for Collecting & Submitting NCDA – Agronomics Samples
Below are links to official NCDA&CS guidelines for collecting and submitting various sample types. Follow the instructions carefully to ensure accurate results.
Links to official NCDA&CS guidelines
- Soil Testing – All soil tests measure Mehlich-3 extractable phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sulfur, sodium, zinc, manganese, and copper; humic matter; pH and Mehlich buffer pH; weight per volume; and cation exchange capacity (CEC).
- Nematode Assay
- Predictive Nematode Analysis – Conduct before planting to assess potential risk.
- Diagnostic Nematode Analysis – Use if you suspect nematodes in an existing planting area.
- Waste & Compost Analysis
- Water/Solution Analysis – Tests for nitrate-nitrogen, ammonia-nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sulfur, sodium, chloride, iron, zinc, manganese, copper, boron, aluminum, electrical conductivity, pH, alkalinity, and sodium adsorption ratio.
- Soilless Media Analysis
Instructions for Collecting & Submitting Samples to the Plant Disease and Insect Clinic (PDIC)
The NC State University Plant Disease and Insect Clinic (PDIC) provides diagnostic services for plant diseases, insect pests, and other plant health issues. All PDIC samples from New Hanover County must be submitted through the New Hanover County Consumer Horticulture Agent. This ensures proper sample handling, documentation, and accurate routing to the appropriate specialists.
Submission options include plant problems observed
- With a tree or shrub in the landscape
- In a vegetable garden or flower bed
- In a lawn, golf course, or other turf area
- With a crop in the field
- In an orchard, vineyard, or tree plantation
- With plants in a greenhouse
- With a tree or shrub in a nursery
- With fungi
- With pests affecting plants
For full instructions on collecting and packaging your sample, visit the
PDIC How to Submit Samples page.
