Gardening

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

Sunflower (Photo by Lynn Ketchum)
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.
Cistaceae family (Photo by Linda McMahan)
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.
A blue orchard mason bee on meadowfoam flower. (Photo by George Hoffman)
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.
PNW Insect Management Handbook (Photo by OSU)
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.
Thatch (Photo by Alec Kowalewski.)
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.

Become a water-wise gardener

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

Popular Publications

A new publication from OSU Extension shows a full-circle approach to gardening on school grounds
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.
Learn how to create a "cloche" that can be used to protect your plants from cold weather.
If you lack space for a garden, consider raising vegetables in containers.
Making a poor garden better often begins with the soil. If your garden soil is poor, consider giving it some help.
Strategies to to keep the bugs out of your garden.
Improve your soil by adding organic matter and creating raised beds.
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. 

Upcoming Events

Jun. 21, 2013 2:00pm - 4:00pm
The Food Innovation Center now offers two (2) quick overview seminars for entrepreneurs who are …
Jun. 26, 2013 8:30am - 5:00pm
Learn to utilize landscape practices that can be applied to your own yard. This is …
Jul. 12, 2013 2:00pm - 4:00pm
The Food Innovation Center offers two (2) quick overview seminars for entrepreneurs who are looking …
Jul. 26, 2013 2:00pm - 4:00pm
The Food Innovation Center now offers two (2) quick overview seminars for entrepreneurs who are …
Aug. 07, 2013 8:00am - Aug. 09, 2013 9:00pm
Mini-College is the annual conference of the Oregon Master Gardener Association and the OSU Extension …
Share this