Gardening

Flower garden in the afternoon. Photo by: Bob Rost

Hydrangeas in the garden. Photo by: Bob Rost

Potted bedding plants. Photo by: Bob Rost

Spider and a bee on a flower. Photo by: Bob Rost

Flower garden at the base of a house. Photo by: Bob Rost

Using sustainable and research-based techniques, learn how to grow your own vegetables, connect with other gardeners, or use Ask an Expert to seek gardening advice. Watch a video about the OSU Master Gardener program in Newport, Oregon.

Things to do in June

Make sure raised beds receive enough water for plants to avoid drought stress.
Fertilize vegetable garden 1 month after plants emerge by side dressing alongside rows.
Control garden weeds by pulling, hoeing, or mulching.

Gardening Tips

Easy ways to conserve water in the garden during a dry year

In a dry year, use water wisely, the Oregon State University Extension Service advises.

Ten easy flowering shrubs that flourish with little water

Flowering shrubs can add beauty to your landscape. Choosing the right shrubs can help save money on your water bill, too.

Add the buzz of mason bees to your garden

Concerned about the decline of honeybees, one of the hardest-working food crop pollinators? Don't overlook the importance of a native pollinator of your fruit trees – the blue orchard mason bee.

New website available for PNW Extension guide on managing insect pests

The latest research-based guidelines for managing insect pests, plant diseases and weeds in the Pacific Northwest are available through three newly updated, comprehensive guides.

May is prime time to dethatch and aerate lawns

Thatch is a layer of decaying roots and stems that build up between grass and the soil.

Gardening Courses

Master Gardener Online

Learn the art and science of growing and caring for plants, and even become a Master Gardener, through this two-option online course.

Learn more...

Become a water-wise gardener

Plant an economical and environmentally friendly and garden with the help of the WaterWise Gardening online course series.

Learn more...

Popular Publications

An Educator's Guide to Vegetable Gardening

A new publication from OSU Extension shows a full-circle approach to gardening on school grounds

Grapevine Nutrition

Use this self-guided learning module to find information on grapevine nutrient needs and how to diagnose problems with disease, insects, drought, sunburn, and herbicides.

How to Build Your Own Raised-Bed Cloche

Learn how to create a "cloche" that can be used to protect your plants from cold weather.

Container Gardening

If you lack space for a garden, consider raising vegetables in containers.

Improving Garden Soil

Making a poor garden better often begins with the soil. If your garden soil is poor, consider giving it some help.

Don’t Let the Bugs Beat You To It

Strategies to to keep the bugs out of your garden.

Building Raised Beds

Improve your soil by adding organic matter and creating raised beds.

Training and Pruning Your Home Orchard

Basic instructions on how to prune your trees.

Question of the Week

I would like to get a rain barrel to collect the water from the down spouts and want one that can function year 'round here in the Willamette Valley. Most of the ones I have seen are plastic and must be drained and taken in for icy temps. Can you advise me on what kind of rain barrel I am looking for that can be left out and used all year in our area.

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