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 May

  • Plant chrysanthemums for fall color.

  • Trap moles and gophers as new mounds appear.

  • Prepare and prime irrigation system for summer.

Gardening Tips

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.
Compost. (Photo by Tiffany Woods)
Turn manure into compost for your garden
Animal manure is rich in nutrients that make it a great organic fertilizer for your garden.
Raised bed cloche. (Photo by Sam Anigma.)
Six raised beds to try if you have bad soil
Afraid gardening and your soil are not compatible? Raised beds can come to the rescue.

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

How do you define a shady area? Can there be some sun at certain times of the day. Same question for sunny area. How many hours of sun must an area have to be considered sunny? This is for the Bend area.
Addressing real-life questions with research-based answers...
Ask an Expert at Oregon State University.

Upcoming Events

Jun. 07, 2013 2:00pm - 4:00pm
The Food Innovation Center offers two (2) quick overview seminars for entrepreneurs who are looking …
Jun. 18, 2013 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Join the Lane County Master Gardener Association in welcoming MG Sharon Hanes the speaker on …
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 …
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