Oregon State University Extension Service News

Eating fresh out of the garden any time of the year is what motivates Teresa Welch to use cloches. But the benefits reach beyond stretching Oregon's normal growing season. Cloches also keep off winter's "endless deluge" and lessen nitrogen loss from the soil. Deer and slugs can't get inside the hoops, and only digging pests, such as moles and gophers, can tunnel underneath. Oregon State University Extension Service Feb 25 2011

Broadleaf stonecrop, also known as Sedum spathulifolium, is one of the best succulents to grow in Oregon, and many varieties of it are sold at most nurseries. They grow well in rock gardens, raised beds, pots, old troughs and any location that has full sun and good drainage. Oregon State University Extension Service Feb 11 2011

The two new tubers reflect the wide range of interest in potatoes. The light-brown 'Sage Russet' can meet the needs of the largest market for potatoes: processing French fries, while the red fingerling called AmaRosa keeps its rosy color during cooking and appeals to the upscale potato specialty market. Oregon State University Extension Service Feb 24 2011

Many deer and other animals find herbs to be unpalatable. For that reason, herbs are some of the best plants to fend off uninvited garden nibblers, according to Oregon State University horticulturist Linda McMahan. She has advice on how to use aromatic herbs to our advantage. Oregon State University Extension Service Mar 04 2011

Starting this year, a team of researchers from Oregon State University, the University of Florida and the University of Arkansas will test a new remote sensing system in three Oregon nurseries using an unmanned multi-rotor aircraft. Oregon State University Extension Service Mar 07 2011

Ryan Contreras and his lab at Oregon State University have begun a breeding program to save the cherrylaurel plant from a potential ban due to invasiveness. A recent $20,500 research grant could lead to a sterile cherrylaurel variety for sale in Oregon nurseries. Oregon State University Extension Service Mar 07 2011

The OSU Extension Service recommends varieties of vegetables and melons for home gardens. Oregon State University Extension Service Feb 18 2011

Oregon State University has been named a partner on a $20 million grant that aims to ensure the long-term viability of cereal-based farming in the inland Pacific Northwest amid a changing climate. OSU will receive $4 million of the total award, which comes from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The other participants are the University of Idaho, Washington State University and the USDA's Agricultural Research Service. The five-year grant will take a holistic approach to studying the relationship between climate change and cereal crops, primarily winter wheat. Researchers will study how climate change might affect cereal crops and, conversely, how practices for growing those crops might contribute to or help curb climate change. They'll identify farming methods that help cereal crops withstand climate change and they'll determine which factors influence farmers' decisions about how to manage their crops. Oregon State University Extension Service Feb 18 2011

The public is invited to view the birth of lambs at Oregon State University's sheep barn from Feb. 15 to March 2. Oregon State University Extension Service Feb 11 2011

New work by OSU College of Agricultural Sciences professor, Ramesh Sagili, has found that the application of brood pheromone to honey bee colonies affects the division of labor within adult bees leading to increased hive health and resiliency to disease. Oregon State University Extension Service Feb 11 2011

Although summer vegetables can be a challenge to grow in short-season areas, many fearless gardeners enjoy bountiful harvests just the same. Janice Cowan, horticulturist with the Baker County office of the Oregon State University Extension Service, offers advice. Oregon State University Extension Service Jan 28 2011

Oregon's farmers and ranchers grossed $4.3 billion in sales last year, a 3.8 percent rebound from a dismal 2009, according to estimates in an Oregon State University report. The report contains preliminary estimates for gross farmgate sales for 2010 and revised numbers for 2009 and 2008. Oregon State University Extension Service Feb 02 2011

Rob Golembiewski, the turfgrass specialist with the Oregon State University Extension Service, offers advice on how to control moss in lawns. Oregon State University Extension Service Feb 04 2011

Annual, moderate pruning of blueberries results in bushes with the fewest canes, but with the greatest yields and largest berries. Oregon State University Extension Service Jan 21 2011

An Oregon State University has found that golf balls rolled the farthest on putting greens that are mowed daily and rolled immediately afterward. The balls rolled an average of 11 feet, which was 15 inches farther than on grass that was only mowed daily but not rolled. Oregon State University Extension Service Jan 26 2011

The Oregon State University Extension Service has opened registration for its 11th annual Oregon Small Farms Conference on Feb. 26 in Corvallis. The event is geared toward farmers, agriculture professionals, food policy advocates and managers of farmers markets. Speakers will include farmers, Extension faculty, U.S. Rep. Kurt Schrader, and Chuck Hassebrook, the executive director of the Center for Rural Affairs. Workshop topics will include food safety, marketing opportunities, cover crops and licensing requirements. Oregon State University Extension Service Jan 19 2011

Raspberries and blackberries stay healthy and bear more fruit with a few simple chores, starting in the winter or early spring and continuing into fruiting season. Oregon State University Extension Service Jan 14 2011

Oregon State University has received a grant of nearly $5 million to develop an obesity prevention program for children in rural Oregon. Oregon State University Extension Service Jan 13 2011

Mushrooms are the reproductive structures of fungi and may indicate that soil is healthy. Oregon State University Extension Service Jan 07 2011

Currants and gooseberries —excellent in jams, juices and pies — are cold tolerant, can grow anywhere in Oregon and are attractive in home gardens. Gardeners can start preparing a site now by enriching the soil with organic materials to plant early next spring. Oregon State University Extension Service Dec 31 2010