Question: What can you tell me about growing melons in the Umpqua Valley?

Question: I found this beautiful bug on my wood pile today. Could you tell me what it is and a little about it? Is it a destructive pest or beneficial?

Question: I want to add mint to my garden, but I know from previous experience that it can be invasive. What precautions should I take?

When our normal winter rain pattern stopped in late March, I was pretty sure we were headed for the hottest year since the record heat of 2015. It seems like day time high temperatures in the 90s has become pretty common, with night time lows around 60 degrees.

Question: Why should we grow zucchini?

Question: I like delicate flowers and easy to grow plants that are more drought resistant than thirsty. Would coral bells be a good fit in my garden?

Question: I have never grown fennel and would like to add it to my garden. I have been reading that there are many plants that should not be planted with fennel. I don’t know much about growing this plant and am curious. What information can you share?

Question: What carnivorous plants are native to Oregon? Can they be grown in the Umpqua Valley?

The 2020 Labor Day wildfires across the state spurred a call to action for all Oregonians to take on the responsibility of preparing their homes, neighborhoods and communities for wildfire.

Question: Recently, the Master Gardener Plant Clinic received an email from someone who has an invasive plant sprouting up in her backyard. Along with sending a photo of the plant, she asked us to identify it and how to get rid of it!

Over the past few years we have heard about beneficial insects like honey bees and bumble bees being killed by pesticides or poor management practices. What home orchardists need to be working toward is a pest control strategy that hits the bad guys pretty hard but leaves the secondary pests…

Question: I just finished building a new home in a foothill area and am very aware that wildfire is a real threat. My goal is to create a landscape that is both fire-resistant and drought-tolerant. Any suggestions?

Question: Is it possible to grow lemons here in Douglas County?

Question: Is it possible to grow celery in the Umpqua Valley?

Question: There is a new invasive species of earthworms found in Oregon that I’d like to know about.

Since Oct. 1, 2020, central Douglas County has received about 24 inches of rain versus our 30 year average for the same time frame of 32 inches.

Question: While walking by a home recently, I noticed a very strong, nauseating smell and thought maybe it was coming from a dead animal. Much to my surprise, the source of this rancid smell was a huge purple flower! Can you identify it and give me any information about this strange plant?

Question: I have been cooking at home so much more this past year and have been experimenting with recipes that call for fresh herbs. They are expensive to purchase in the grocery store, and I like the idea of picking my herbs fresh on an “as needed” basis. So, I would like to plant a culina…

Question: What are the recommended techniques for growing basil in the Umpqua Valley?

Question: It’s finally spring and we found the most beautiful wildflowers on our walk this morning. They look like wild orchids. Can you tell us about them and is it possible to grow them in our garden?

Question: How can I collect some of my heirloom pepper and tomato seeds and have them produce the same fruit?