Pressure canner dial gauge testing is available. Dial gauge pressure canners need to be checked for accuracy each year, and new canners and new gauges should also be tested. Pressure canners with a weighted gauge do not have to be tested for accuracy because they cannot go out of calibration.

Clean gauges or lids can be dropped off at Good's Store locations for testing. The clean gauge or lid will be tested, and customers will pick the gauge or lid up on a separate date. In-person testing will be available free of charge at Good's Store, 1127 S. State St., Ephrata, on Thursday, June 15, from 1 to 3 p.m.; Good's Store, 2499 Stiegel Pike (Route 501 North), Schaefferstown, on Friday, June 16, from 10 a.m. to noon; and Good's Store, 1338 Main St., East Earl, on Friday, June 23, from 1 to 3 p.m.

Drop-off testing will also be offered for free. Three drop-off time frames are available: Monday to Wednesday, June 12 to 14, at Good's Store in Ephrata or at 333 W. Fourth St., Quarryville, with pickup on or after June 16; Monday to Wednesday, June 19 to June 21, at Good's Store in Ephrata or Quarryville, with pickup on or after June 23; June 12 to 15 at Good's Store in Schaefferstown or Ephrata, with pickup on or after Saturday, June 17; and Monday to Thursday, June 19 to 22, at Good's Store in Schaefferstown or Ephrata, with pickup on or after Saturday, June 24.

Dial gauges may also be tested for free by appointment at the Lancaster County Penn State Extension office at 1383 Arcadia Road, Lancaster, in Room 140. To schedule an appointment, call 717-394-6851.

For questions related to home food preservation, contact Stacy Reed at 717-394-6851 or sls374@psu.edu.