1. Home
  2. Gardening, Lawn, and Landscape
  3. Gardening Techniques

Central Oregon Garden Publications

Go to: 

General Gardening in Central Oregon

Gardening in Central Oregon's climate

Behind the beauty of the High Desert, lie many factors that create challenges for Central Oregon gardeners. Learn how to work with cold weather, short seasons, dry summers and other elements that can affect your gardening success.

Amy Jo Detweiler | Jan 2016 | Article

Container gardening basics

Choose the right containers, soil and plants to keep your flowerpots blooming all season long. When choosing plants for container gardening, go for "thrillers," "fillers" and "spillers."

Amy Jo Detweiler | Mar 2014 | Article

Fertilizing Your Garden: Vegetables, Fruits, and Ornamentals

Gives fertilizer recommendations, based on soil test results, for vegetable gardens, fruit trees, ornamental shrubs, flowers, caneberries, and strawberries. Discusses factors involved in plant growth, such as soil, nitrogen, phosphorus, ...

Apr 2000 | OSU Extension Catalog

Raised Bed Gardening

Gives step-by-step instructions for building a raised bed. Discusses special considerations for growing plants in raised beds as well as long-term maintenance of beds.

Brooke Edmunds | Oct 2016 | OSU Extension Catalog

Mulching Woody Ornamentals with Organic Materials

Discusses mulching woody ornamentals (trees and shrubs) with organic materials. Covers the reasons for mulching, how to apply mulch, and how to maintain its beneficial effects over time. General principles described also apply to a...

Neil Bell, Dan Sullivan | Mar 2009 | OSU Extension Catalog

How to Build Your Own Raised-Bed Cloche

Lists materials needed to build a cloche, then provides step-by-step instructions for building. Includes color photographs with close-up inserts to show the building process. Want to learn more? Take our online class! Have you ever...

Sam Angima | Aug 2008 | OSU Extension Catalog

Hardscapes for Sustainable Landscapes: Patios, Decks, Walkways, and Driveways

This publication addresses ways to make residential hardscapes (patios, decks, walkways, and driveways) more sustainable. Discusses how to evaluate hardscape materials for sustainability and environmental impact. Covers the advantages, ...

Jun 2001 | OSU Extension Catalog

Acidifying Soil in Landscapes and Gardens East of the Cascades

Explains the importance of soil pH to plant growth, shows symptoms of plants growing in soil with high pH, and discusses how to modify soil to help maples, rhododendrons, blueberries, fruit trees, and other acid-loving plants thrive in your garden and landscape.

Sep 2006 | OSU Extension Catalog

Collecting and storing seeds from your garden

A guide to collecting seeds and storing them at home.

Bill Mansour, Duane Hatch | May 2003 | Article

Propagation of Plants by Grafting and Budding

Including a glossary of terms, this handbook is well illustrated with clear photographs and drawings. It covers tools and materials, grafting and budding factors, kinds of grafts, budding methods, topworking, and repair. A table of...

Sep 2011 | OSU Extension Catalog

Central Oregon Plant Resource Guide

A list of local nurseries, their plant specialties, and contact information.

Amy Jo Detweiler | Aug 2018 | Publication

Growing Wildflowers in Central Oregon

Learn how to grow wildflowers in Central Oregon, including choosing and preparing a site, planting and seeding rate, best times of year to do it, and application rate. Also includes a list of wildflowers that thrive in Central Oregon.

Amy Jo Detweiler | Mar 2020 | Article

Fruit Trees and Berries

Selecting Berry Crop Varieties for Central Oregon

Several kinds of berry crops can be grown successfully in Central Oregon. The key is to select varieties suited to local growing conditions and to follow recommendations for planting and care.

Amy Jo Detweiler, Bernadine Strik | May 2008 | OSU Extension Catalog

Selecting Fruit Tree Varieties for Central Oregon Landscaping and Home Orchards

Several kinds of fruit trees can be grown successfully in Central Oregon. The challenge lies in selecting varieties that are most likely to bear fruit in the region.

Amy Jo Detweiler | May 2008 | OSU Extension Catalog

Growing Table Grapes

A reference for the home gardener or small-scale grower on how grapes grow; how to establish a planting; how to maintain an established planting, including pruning and training; tips for harvest; and how to reduce risk of ...

Bernadine Strik | May 2011 | OSU Extension Catalog

Training and Pruning Your Home Orchard

Provides general rules for training, pruning, and limb bending, and explains open-center, central-leader, and espalier training. Outlines specific guidelines for training and pruning apple, pear, sweet cherry, sour cherry, peach, prune, ...

Jul 2011 | OSU Extension Catalog

Managing Diseases and Insects in Home Orchards

This pest management guide is for the home gardener. It recommends management practices for controlling diseases and insects in home orchards. It doesn't meet the exacting requirements of the commercial fruit grower.

Jay Pscheidt, Heather Stoven, Ashley Thompson, Brooke Edmunds, Nik Wiman | Mar 2020 | OSU Extension Catalog

Growing Blueberries in Your Home Garden

Learn to grow your own sweet, juicy blueberries in your Oregon home garden! Find out which types and cultivars of blueberries grow best where you live, and which part of your yard is best suited for production. Experts ...

Bernadine Strik, Amy Jo Detweiler, Nicole Sanchez | Dec 2020 | OSU Extension Catalog

Growing Strawberries in Your Home Garden

The strawberry patch in your home garden can produce ripe fruit for your family all through the growing season. Grow strawberries in containers, in hills or in raised beds. Grow strawberries that produce a big crop in June ...

Bernadine Strik, Amy Jo Detweiler, Erica Chernoh, Nicole Sanchez | Jul 2020 | OSU Extension Catalog

Growing Blackberries in Your Home Garden

Home gardeners can enjoy a choice of blackberry varieties with fruit far superior to that of wild blackberries. What’s more, home gardeners can pick fruit from early summer all the way to the first frost. Learn how to ...

Bernadine Strik, Amy Jo Detweiler, Nicole Sanchez | Sep 2020 | OSU Extension Catalog

Growing Raspberries in Your Home Garden

Learn to grow tart, delicious raspberries in your own garden. Choose which type of raspberry to grow, and learn how to plant, prune, fertilize and water your berry patch to keep it healthy and productive.Take our online ...

Bernadine Strik, Amy Jo Detweiler, Nicole Sanchez | Aug 2020 | OSU Extension Catalog

Insects - Pests, Pollinators, Beneficials

Common Insects Found in Urban Landscapes in Central Oregon

Insects are divided into categories based on the type of damage they cause including leaf chewers, leafminers, flowers, fruit and seed feeders, sap suckers, trunk and branch borers, gall makers, root, tuber, and bulb feeders. ...

Amy Jo Detweiler | Aug 2020 | Educational gallery

2020 PNW Insect Management Handbook

Covers pesticide safety and toxicity, protecting bees, adjuvants, mixing tables, calibration, and biological control. Other sections cover a wide variety of agricultural and nonagricultural products such as commercial vegetables, small ...

Apr 2020 | OSU Extension Catalog

Pacific Northwest Nursery IPM

This website has been established to provide educational materials and links for the identification and management of pests in commercial nursery production in the Pacific Northwest.

Robin Rosetta | Apr 2018 | Online resource

Common Spiders Found in Central Oregon

A list of spiders that can be commonly found in or around central Oregon.

Jul 2018 | Collection

Enhancing Urban and Suburban Landscapes to Protect Pollinators

The way we garden and manage the landscapes of the Northwest can help promote the health of bees, butterflies and other insects. Homeowners, gardeners, landscape professionals and volunteer groups all can work to attract a wide ...

Andony Melathopoulos, Neil Bell, Signe Danler, Amy Jo Detweiler, Gail Langellotto, Nicole Sanchez, Heather Stoven | Jun 2020 | OSU Extension Catalog

Landscape Plants: Trees, Shrubs, & Flowers

Water-wise Gardening in Central Oregon

You can have a colorful and beautiful landscape while conserving water and saving time, energy and money. Learn innovative conservation techniques for water-wise gardening, or xeriscaping, in central Oregon. Full plant lists give you...

Amy Jo Detweiler | Jun 2020 | OSU Extension Catalog

Fire-Resistant Plants for Home Landscapes

As homeowners continue to build in the wild and urban interface, they must take special precautions to protect their homes. One way to do this is to create a defensible space around the home, and one important factor can ...

Amy Jo Detweiler, Stephen Fitzgerald | Aug 2006 | OSU Extension Catalog

Selecting Native Plants for Home Landscapes in Central Oregon

If planted in a suitable habitat, native plants are well adapted to Central Oregon soils and climate. When grown in the right conditions, native plants experience less environmental, insect, and disease damage than nonnative plants.

Amy Jo Detweiler | May 2008 | OSU Extension Catalog

Growing Hops in the Home Garden

Provides instructions for the home gardener on how to select, grow, harvest, and store hops.

Amy Jo Detweiler | Jul 2015 | OSU Extension Catalog

Spring Flowering bulbs

Purchasing, site selection, when to plant, preparing the site, and follow-up care.

Amy Jo Detweiler | Aug 2009 | Article

Roses: Planting and Care in Central Oregon

Discusses how to select appropriate rose cultivars; select and prepare the planting site; and water, fertilize, prune, and protect roses from pests and diseases.

Amy Jo Detweiler | May 2008 | OSU Extension Catalog

Guide to common grasses in Central Oregon

This guide is intentionally limited to grasses commonly found in Crook, Deschutes and Jefferson counties. It does not begin to include all the grasses in Central Oregon and it does not include the sedges or rushes.

Paul MacMillan | Jun 2018 | Publication

Winter Care of Perennials

Now that the temperatures are cooling off, or shall I say cold, it is time to put your perennials to bed for the winter. For the most part, perennials will overwinter here just fine by following these simple steps.

Amy Jo Detweiler | Jan 2009 | Article

Plant Selection for Windbreaks in Central Oregon

A fact-sheet including sufficient windbreaks in Central Oregon. Three of the groups consist of Deciduous Trees, Evergreen Trees, and Shrubs.

Amy Jo Detweiler | Nov 2005 | Article

OSU Landscape Plants

The site contains images and information on over 1,800 landscape plants, mostly woody. Individual plants can be accessed via ether the Latin Names (e.g., Acer) or a Common Names (e.g., Maple). Both lists are in alphabetical order; for the Latin Names, from Abelia to Ziziphus and the Common Names from Abelia to Zelkova.

Jul 2018 | Online resource

Growing Wildflowers in Central Oregon

Learn how to grow wildflowers in Central Oregon, including choosing and preparing a site, planting and seeding rate, best times of year to do it, and application rate. Also includes a list of wildflowers that thrive in Central Oregon.

Amy Jo Detweiler | Mar 2020 | Article

Lawns

Practical Lawn Establishment and Renovation

This publication will take you through the steps needed to successfully plant a new lawn or renovate an old one. If you follow these steps, you will get it right the first time!

Mar 2002 | OSU Extension Catalog

Efficient Lawn Irrigation in the Intermountain West

Proper irrigation, despite being one of the most important factors in maintaining a healthy lawn, is the most often overlooked variable in lawn care. This publication describes common turfgrass species, soil water holding capacity, ...

Brian Charlton | Oct 2010 | OSU Extension Catalog

Turfgrass maintenance calendar for Central Oregon

This calendar is offered as a general guide to know when and how to manage a lawn in Central Oregon

Amy Jo Detweiler, Tom Cook, John Whisler, David Wienke | Jun 2002 | Article

Plant Damage and Disease

2020 PNW Plant Disease Management Handbook

A comprehensive guide to plant disease management in the Pacific Northwest. Includes materials and tactics suitable for organic production and homeowner use as well as for commercial production. Covers testing services, common ...

Jay Pscheidt, Cynthia Ocamb | Apr 2020 | OSU Extension Catalog

OSU Plant Clinic

The Oregon State University Plant Clinic is a diagnostic facility associated with and housed in the Department of Botany and Plant Pathology. The Plant Clinic has been operational since 1954. As part of the OSU Cooperative Extension Service, the primary mission of the Plant Clinic is educational. Extended education is provided by helping our clients recognize the nature of their plant problem (diagnosis) and by helping them to manage the disease or disorder using proper control methods, including cultural, biological, and chemical measures. Emphasis is on prevention of problems by proper management.

Melodie Putnam | Mar 2018 | Online resource

A Systematic Approach to Diagnosing Plant Damage

To determine what factors damaged a plant requires an inquisitive, investigative approach combined with careful observation and the ability to put all the pieces together to reconstruct the event(s) that produced the plant damage.

James L. Green, Joe Capizzi, Otis Maloy | Nov 1990 | Online resource

Soil Testing and Amendments

Improving Garden Soils with Organic Matter

This publication will help you understand the importance of soil organic matter levels to good plant performance. It also contains suggestions for suitable soil amendments. Any soil, no matter how compacted, can be improved by ...

Neil Bell, Dan Sullivan, Linda Brewer | May 2003 | OSU Extension Catalog

A Guide to Collecting Soil Samples for Farms and Gardens

Laboratory soil tests help you develop your soil and increase crop production by providing information on available nutrient content. Soil testing helps you select the correct kind and amount of fertilizer and liming material. ...

Melissa Fery, Jeff Choate | Oct 2018 | OSU Extension Catalog

Analytical Laboratories Serving Oregon

This guide can be useful for commercial growers, gardeners, and homeowners who wish to use soil, plant, and water analyses to help them make decisions about the use of soil amendments and other management actions. Some may ...

Darrin Walenta, Clare Sullivan, Leticia Henderson (Varelas), Linda Brewer | Jun 2017 | OSU Extension Catalog

Soil Test Interpretation Guide

This publication provides an overview of soil testing and general guidelines for interpreting soil test results for nitrogen, phosphorus, sulfur, potassium, calcium, magnesium, boron, zinc, copper, manganese, iron, molybdenum, chloride, ...

Dan Sullivan | Jul 2011 | OSU Extension Catalog

Acidifying Soil in Landscapes and Gardens East of the Cascades

Explains the importance of soil pH to plant growth, shows symptoms of plants growing in soil with high pH, and discusses how to modify soil to help maples, rhododendrons, blueberries, fruit trees, and other acid-loving plants thrive in your garden and landscape.

Sep 2006 | OSU Extension Catalog

USDA National Resources Conservation Service - Soil

A tool for finding what kind of soil is in a particular region.

Jul 2018 | Online resource

Vegetable Gardening

Growing Vegetables in Central Oregon (Crook, Deschutes, and Jefferson Counties)

The high-desert climate of Central Oregon can create challenges for any gardener. This guide provides region-specific tips and techniques for more successful vegetable gardens, including topics such as site selection, soil amendment ...

Amy Jo Detweiler, Toni Stephan | Nov 2015 | OSU Extension Catalog

El Cultivo de Verduras en el Oregon Central (los Condados de Crook, Deschutes y Jefferson)

El clima del desierto alto en el Oregon central puede presentar retos para los jardineros a cualquier nivel. Esta guía aporta consejos y técnicas aptos para la región, con el objetivo de darle mayor éxito con su huerto. ...

Amy Jo Detweiler, Toni Stephan | Aug 2016 | OSU Extension Catalog

Recommended Vegetables for Central Oregon

Vegetable varieties and melons recommended by Oregon State University for 2011 are adapted to local growing conditions to produce the best yields in home gardens.

Apr 2013 | Article

When to start seeds indoors in Oregon

Wondering when to plant vegetables? Use this handy table to figure out the optimum time.

Jul 2018 | Article

Grow Your Own Rhubarb

This publication describes how to successfully grow rhubarb as a vegetable or as an ornamental plant in the home garden.

Toni Stephan | Feb 2017 | OSU Extension Catalog

Grow your own potatoes

An article from 1995 about growing your own potatoes.

Phil Hamm, Alvin Mosley, Oscar Gutbrod, Steven James, Kerry Locke, Lynn Jensen | Mar 1995 | Article

Grow your own cucumbers

An article from 1997 on how to grow your own cucumbers.

Bill Mansour | Jul 1997 | Article

Grow Your Own Peppers

This publication describes different varieties, climatic requirements, soil preparation, fertilizing, and planting transplants.

Aug 1985 | OSU Extension Catalog

Grow your own root vegetables

Growing beets, carrots, radishes, onion and similar crops can be a rewarding -- and delicious -- endeavor.

Bill Mansour | Apr 2011 | Article

Grow Your Own Tomatoes and Tomatillos

This publication is an extended revision of the previous edition. It describes how to grow tomatoes and tomatillos in the home garden. Topics include site and soil preparation, cultivar selection, propagation, planting and plant ...

Neil Bell, Amy Jo Detweiler, Heidi Noordijk, Chip Bubl | Sep 2014 | OSU Extension Catalog

Cultive sus Propios Tomates y Tomatillos

Da ejemplos de variedades de tomates y tomatillos (jitomates y tomates) que rinden bien en los huertos del Noroeste. Describe las condiciones de suelo idóneas y cuándo y cómo de debe fertilizar. Trata los principios básicos ...

Neil Bell, Amy Jo Detweiler, Heidi Noordijk, Chip Bubl | Sep 2014 | OSU Extension Catalog

An Educator's Guide to Vegetable Gardening

This publication is a primer on vegetable gardening written specifically for educators, including those who use gardens as part of a nutrition education curriculum. It outlines a full-circle approach to educational gardening, provides...

Weston Miller, Gail Langellotto | Sep 2011 | OSU Extension Catalog

Central Oregon Vegetable Garden Calendar

When to plant vegetables in Central Oregon

Jun 2018 | Article

Soil Temperature Conditions for Vegetable Seed Germination

Results of an experiment to see correlations between various vegetable seeds number of days to sprout appearance and the temperature at which they are kept.

J. F. Harrington | Apr 2013 | Article

Weeds

Common Weeds Found in Central Oregon

List of weeds commonly found in and around Central Oregon.

Toni Stephan | Aug 2015 | Fact Sheet

2020 PNW Weed Management Handbook

This comprehensive guide to weed management in the Pacific Northwest covers biological weed control agents; pesticide safety and disposal; agrichemicals and their properties; and control of problem weeds. Sections include subjects such ...

Ed Peachey | Apr 2020 | OSU Extension Catalog

Identification and Control of Knapweed Species in Central and Eastern Oregon

This publication describes potential hazards, management, and identification of knapweeds.

Amy Jo Detweiler | Feb 2003 | OSU Extension Catalog

Wildlife Damage

Deer-resistant plants for Central Oregon

Below is a list of plants that tend to be more deer-resistant.

Amy Jo Detweiler, Paul MacMillan | May 2012 | Article

Prevention and Control of Wildlife Damage

University of Nebraska - Lincoln's handbook on wildlife damage to plants and animals and suggested control.

Scott E. Hygnstrom, Robert M. Timm, Gary E. Larson | Jul 1994 | Online resource

Meadow Voles and Pocket Gophers: Management in Lawns, Gardens, and Croplands

Starting with background on the biology and behaviors of gophers and voles, this publication dwells primarily on the gamut of ways to manage these widespread pests.

Jun 2011 | OSU Extension Catalog

Woodchucks

In general, rockchucks (aka woodchucks) prefer open farmland and the surrounding wooded or brushy areas adjacent to open land. Burrows commonly are located in fields and pastures, along fence rows, stone walls, roadsides, and near building foundations or the bases of trees.

Rene M. Bollengier Jr. | Jul 1994 | Online resource

Want to learn more about this topic? Explore more resources from OSU Extension: Gardening Techniques

Was this page helpful?

Related Content from OSU Extension

GROWING

GROWING is a joint publication by Linn and Benton County OSU Extension services, and is published by the Albany Democrat Herald. GROWING is published every other month (January, March, May, July, September, and November).

Newsletter

10-step guide to installing pavers

Whether you plan to install brick, concrete or stone pavers, the following paver installation steps should help. Even if you plan to have your pavers professionally installed it is a good idea to be familiar with the process.

Nov 2019 | Educational gallery

March garden calendar

Information about garden planning, maintenance, pest management and indoor gardening for March.

May 2018 | Article

Five ways to improve soil

Soil: the literal and biological foundation upon which all gardens are built. Healthy soil provides nutrients, structure, and moisture holding capacity that contribute to plant growth. Ideally, it also contains a healthy microbiome ...

Nicole Sanchez | Mar 2019 | Article

OSU shares benefits of gardening

In 2019, nearly 3,000 Master Gardeners compiled 221,423 volunteer hours – equivalent to 106 full-time employees

Gail Langellotto | Sep 2018 | Impact story

Pandemic leads to unprecedented burst of questions to Ask an Expert tool

Questions have ballooned to 6,625 in the first half of 2020, more than all of the questions answered in 2019.

Kym Pokorny | Jul 29, 2020 | News story

Dig into hundreds of publications from OSU Extension online catalog

Have a gardening question? Find an answer in one of OSU Extension's publications.

Kym Pokorny | Nov 22, 2019 | News story

Should I Worry about Heavy Metals in My Garden Soil?

What do we know about heavy metals in soil? What do we know about lead exposure through soil and garden plants? What do we know about cadmium and arsenic in soils? What can I do if I’m at risk for heavy metals in my garden soil?

Jul 2016 | Article

Be safe: Develop good habits from garden to table

Foodborne illness can come from our homegrown produce

Kym Pokorny | Sep 8, 2017 | News story

Environmental Factors Affecting Plant Growth

Plant growth and geographic distribution are greatly affected by the environment. Either directly or indirectly, most plant problems are caused by environmental stress. Environmental factors that affect plant growth include light, temperature, water, humidity, and nutrition.

Ann Marie VanDerZanden | Jan 2008 | Article

Vegetative Plant Parts

Vegetative plant parts include roots, stems, shoot buds, and leaves.

Ann Marie VanDerZanden | Jan 2008 | Article

Five tips for using holiday greenery

For those seeking to “spruce” up their interior spaces during the holidays, fresh evergreens are a great place to start. In addition to the natural feel and fragrance, evergreens are especially forgiving to work with. Even ...

Nicole Sanchez | Dec 2019 | Article

With the right care, asparagus beds will produce for decades

Asparagus is a hardy perennial and should be planted as soon as the soil can be properly prepared in the spring.

Kym Pokorny | Feb 12, 2021 | News story

Five common houseplant issues

Houseplants are easy to grow, and come in an increasingly wide range of colors, leaf shapes, and “habits”, making them an enjoyable addition to many homes. In winter months, houseplants may be the only gardening outlet ...

Nicole Sanchez | Nov 2019 | Article

In Lane County: Upcoming classes, events, and more!

Check out upcoming classes and events offered in Lane County by OSU Extension Programs. Plus, Extension related news and education.

Newsletter

Turn manure into compost for your garden

Animal manure is rich in nutrients that make it a great organic fertilizer for your garden.

Apr 19, 2013 | News story

How hormones and growth regulators affect your plants

Plant hormones and growth regulators are chemicals that affect flowering, aging, root growth, distortion and killing of organs, prevention or promotion of stem elongation, color enhancement of fruit, prevention of leafing and/or leaf fall, and many other conditions.

Ann Marie VanDerZanden | Jul 2012 | Article

Coffee Grounds and Composting

Coffee grounds are a great addition to the garden and compost pile. Help to recycle this great organic resource and reduce the amount of organics going to the landfill!

Jun 2018 | Article

Ask an Expert

Have a Question? Ask an Expert!

Ask an Expert is a way for you to get answers from the Oregon State University Extension Service. We have experts in family and health, community development, food and agriculture, coastal issues, forestry, programs for young people, and gardening.

Ask Us a Question