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

Harvest thinnings from new plantings of lettuce, onion, and chard.
Control aphids on vegetables as needed by hosing off with water or by using insecticidal soap or a registered insecticide.
Pick ripe strawberries regularly to avoid fruit-rotting diseases.

Gardening Tips

What is mushroom compost?

Commercial mushroom growers in the Willamette Valley grow tons of mushrooms in an elaborate mixture that gardeners love - mushroom compost.

Why woodpeckers pound on your house

A maddening "thwack thwack thwack" on the side of your house may often signal the presence of woodpeckers.

Snakes provide good pest control in the garden

Gardeners should be glad to see snakes around the garden, according to Oregon State University snake expert Bob Mason.

How to help wild critters leave the attic or basement

Countless homeowners have had unwanted guests come and stay, both the human and the furry kind. Fortunately, it is easier to encourage unwanted animals such as squirrels, opossums, raccoons and skunks to leave your attic or woodshed than to politely ask y

How long do weed seeds survive in the soil?

Weed seeds can survive in the soil for years before they germinate and grow.

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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