Question: What are the recommended planting techniques for growing great peas in the Umpqua Valley?
Question: What are the recommended planting techniques for growing great peas in the Umpqua Valley?
For forestland owners in Western Oregon, winter is the time to get out on the land to plant the next generation of trees. There are many important things to keep in mind when planting seedlings, whether you’re planting 10 or 10,000. Keep these things in mind and refer to the publications lis…
During our wet cool, winter in Oregon we have one plant that flourishes, especially in shady areas, and that’s moss.
Question: It’s almost Valentine’s Day and I would like to surprise my sweetie with a plant or tree that would feature heart-shaped leaves or flowers. Do you have any recommendations?
Question: My grandchildren are coming to visit soon, and I generally like to engage them in some sort of gardening activity. However, they will be here in the middle of our cold, dark, rainy season so I’m at a loss for ideas. Do you have any suggestions that can expand their gardening know-h…
Question: I would like to plant a deodar cedar in our home landscape. What can you tell me about this beautiful tree and its care? Why is it called a “true” cedar? Can you explain the difference between “true” cedars and “false” cedars?
Question: Are radishes a winter or summer crop, and are they easy to grow?
Part of my responsibilities as an OSU Extension horticulture agent is to teach Douglas County Master Gardener volunteers the art and science of sustainable gardening.
Question: I have a lavender plant that has a lot of dead wood on it. I’d like to cut out the unsightly wood, but is this a good time to do so? And do you have any tips on caring for lavender?
Question: When should I seed leeks? I see some sources saying early February while others say April. Which is right?
Question: I’ve been given several orchids as a gift. What do I need to consider in keeping them beautiful and healthy?
Question: I was given a potted Christmas fern for the holidays. Can you give me some advice on the care and maintenance of this lovely plant?
Question: I have some fruit trees that seem to get hammered by disease and insects every year. What can I do to protect them this winter?
Handmade gifts, trinkets and treats help make the holiday season special. Although cookies and other baked goods are some of the most popular homemade creations this time of year, gift-givers young and old can put their talents to use with various craft projects.
Question: Tell me about crabapple trees. Are they related to apple trees? Are they a good choice for my yard?
Question: What are these colorful growths I see on some of my oak and maple trees, and are they harmful to the tree? Can you tell me about them?
It’s been 11 weeks since my fifth child entered the world. I am so glad he’s here, but some naive part of me thought that his arrival would somehow be easier than being pregnant.
Question: My summer garden is completely done and it was a successful year for me. One area I struggle with is remembering what grew well and what didn’t, what varieties I planted, when I planted, and the outcome. I attempted to keep seed packets and jot down notes as I went through the seas…
Question: I have recently moved to this area and am currently in an apartment with a small patio, surrounded on three sides with dirt and fencing. I miss not only my garden and my fruit trees but I miss gardening. Any tips for me?
Question: Hostas are such pretty plants. Are they difficult to grow?
I’ll be honest, thankful and 2020 are two words I would never consciously put together. This year has made me tired in ways I never thought I would be.
Question: My silver maple is starting to drop its leaves. As I was raking them up, I noticed that many of the yellow leaves are covered with all these little red or black bumps on the upper surfaces. Then I looked up and saw that the whole tree seemed to have the same raised areas on most of…
Children who spend a lot of time outdoors benefit from exposure to nature in myriad ways, some of which may surprise even the most devoted outdoorsmen.
A few years ago I wrote about the challenge of pruning landscape plants. It is a complicated subject since one pruning style does not apply to all plants.
Question: When walking through my neighborhood, I came across a very unusual tree called the monkey puzzle tree. What can you tell me about it?
Question: Is it too late to plant shallots? Last year my shallots were very small. How can I grow larger shallots?
Question: Our two-acre property is mostly devoted to grass and we are tired of maintaining it. We would like to drastically decrease the lawn area, but still want to work in our yard. Any suggestions for us that aren’t too drastic? I don’t want to rip it all out.
Question: I’m concerned about my vegetable garden and landscape plants because of the effects of these prolonged wildfires. Does all this ash and smoke harm my plants, and are my fruits and vegetables safe to eat?
Question: My neighbor has a Curly willow tree. Would that be a good tree for my yard?
Question: Can you give me some tips for growing hops in the Umpqua Valley?
Question: I found this large striped beetle bumbling around my porch light at night. What is it and is it harmful?
Question: Does garlic grow well in the Umpqua Valley? It seems my attempts to grow garlic result in small heads, or they tend to rot or split apart in the ground.
September and October in western Oregon is usually still very warm, with daytime high temperatures often in the 70s or 80s, while much of the country experiences their first frost or freeze and the gardening season comes to an end. This lovely fall regional weather condition for Douglas Coun…
Question: My neighbor gave me some homegrown potatoes. I never knew a potato could be so delicious! Now I am planning to grow them next year. What are the steps I need to take?
Question: I need some deer-proof plants. The deer are eating my garden!
