How to Ask a Gardening Question Through MGABC

MGABC (Master Gardeners of BC) invites gardeners to ask gardening questions through its website, and answers come from Master Gardeners whose guidance is grounded in science-based, sustainable gardening practices. To use it, go to mgabc.org, find the question/contact entry point, and submit your question with enough detail about your plant, location, and conditions to get a useful reply. You can also read past answers in the "You Asked Us" series before submitting, since your question may already be covered.

What MGABC Is and Who Answers

MGABC is the Master Gardeners of BC association. Its stated mandate is to promote sustainable gardening practices, and its six Chapters across the province provide education and science-based information to all gardeners. The site describes itself as a place to "ask gardening questions, access the information we have provided and see what events may be going in your community."

Answers therefore come from Master Gardeners — volunteers trained in horticulture — rather than a general customer-service desk. The association frames its information as science-based, so expect recommendations tied to plant health, soil, pests, and sustainable practice rather than quick fixes.

Steps to Submit a Question

1. Open the site. Go to mgabc.org. The homepage presents the association, its Chapters, and its resources.
2. Locate the question channel. The site explicitly invites visitors to ask gardening questions; look for the "Ask A Master Gardener" area or the "Contact us" link listed near the top of the homepage.
3. Write a specific question. Include:
   • The plant (common name, and cultivar if known)
   • Your location or region in BC (climate matters across the province)
   • Growing conditions: sun/shade, soil type, indoor or outdoor, container or ground
   • What you've observed: symptoms, timing, recent weather, watering and fertilizing habits
   • What you've already tried
4. Send it and watch for a reply. Answers may appear as a published Q&A (as in the "You Asked Us" posts) rather than only as a private email, so check the site's latest posts.
5. Verify the advice fits your situation. Because recommendations are general, confirm they match your plant, season, and local conditions before acting.

Check Past Answers First

The site publishes recurring "You Asked Us" posts — for example, editions dated August, September, and October 2026, filed under "Ask A Master Gardener," "Resource," and related categories by contributors from the Victoria and Vancouver Chapters. Reading a few of these shows you the format and depth of answers, and may resolve your question without waiting.

The site's resource sections also cover common topics directly, including:

• Deer deterrence — strongly scented foliage may confuse a deer's sense of smell; the site notes the caveat that "deer don't read lists"
• Mason bees — a tip sheet for this interactive hobby suited to adults and children
• Recommended plants and links — a list of useful garden plants and recommended external resources
• Events and training — Basic Training Programs, lectures, seed swaps, and community events

What to Expect and Common Pitfalls

Two practical cautions: the site does not state a response time, so don't rely on it for an urgent infestation; and because answers may be published, avoid including personal details you don't want public.

Bottom Line

MGABC is a legitimate, education-focused route to free gardening guidance from trained Master Gardeners in BC. Submit a detailed question through the site's ask/contact channel, review the "You Asked Us" archive while you wait, and apply any advice with your own local conditions in mind.