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.

  • Prepare and prime irrigation system for summer.

  • Leafrolling worms may affect apples and blueberries. Prune off and destroy affected leaves.

Gardening Tips

'Legend' tomato is big, early and late blight resistant
OSU vegetable breeders have developed a large, late blight resistant, yet early bearing tomato called “Legend.”
Basil is the fragrant king of herbs
Basil is as beautiful as it is useful.
Plant heat-loving eggplants in May or June
The best time to plant young eggplant starts out in the garden in Oregon is mid-May (warmer parts of the state) to mid-June (cooler parts of the state).
Avoid horticultural heartache by choosing disease-resistant varieties
Planting resistant garden plant varieties is best way to control disease.
It is time to get those green beans in the ground
Get those bean seeds in the ground.

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 purchased some good sized (3-5 gallon) blueberry plants yesterday. I was reading the OSU extension pub EC 1304, which emphasizes heavy pruning upon planting (and removing all fruit buds to prevent berries the first year). I really want to ignore this advice because the plants have nice flowers on them now and I'm eager to get fruit this year. I thought I could ignore the recs since the plants are so big already -- at least 2 ft tall and around. Unwise? 
Addressing real-life questions with research-based answers...
Ask an Expert at Oregon State University.

Upcoming Events

May. 18, 2013 10:00am - 2:00pm
Come get your gardening questions answered at the plant clinic table. Learn from trained Master …
May. 21, 2013 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Join the Lane County Master Gardener Association in welcoming Sandi McIntosh the speaker on Rain …
May. 23, 2013 4:00pm - 7:00pm
Come and get your gardening and plant questions answered by trained Master Gardeners.
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 …
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