Kym Pokorny

Retired

Content
Publications
Awards

Content by Kym Pokorny

Emerald ash borer in Oregon: what to do now — and what to plant next

Don’t remove healthy ash preemptively, learn the symptoms and start planning resilient replacements.

Kym Pokorny | Sep 23, 2025 | News story

Cover crops improve soil and support pollinators over winter

Cover crops can add organic matter and aerate the soil, protect it from compaction caused by rain, suppress weeds and reduce erosion,

Kym Pokorny | Sep 16, 2025 | News story

Plant cold-hardy vegetables now for a spring harvest

With planning and luck, winter vegetables can thrive in Oregon.

Kym Pokorny | Sep 2, 2025 | News story

Designing gardens everyone can enjoy

Universal design, smart tools and simple habits can open the garden to all.

Kym Pokorny | Aug 19, 2025 | News story

Bring your lawn back to life this fall with renovation and care

August and September are good time to whip your lawn back into shape, but starting over usually isn’t necessary.

Kym Pokorny | Jul 31, 2025 | News story

OSU Extension experts debunk 10 common gardening myths

Research-based advice helps gardeners separate fact from fiction.

Kym Pokorny | Jul 29, 2025 | News story

Invasive jumping worms disrupt Oregon soils and ecosystems

Jumping worms stay in the debris on top and eat two to three times the amount of leaf litter as the other worms.

Kym Pokorny, Chris Branam | Jul 24, 2025 | News story

Feed your vegetable garden midseason to boost growth and yields

Scatter fertilizer near the base of plants and water it in. Most crops will respond within two weeks.

Kym Pokorny | Jul 17, 2025 | News story

How to care for plants after a heat wave

Not all damaged plants are beyond saving

Kym Pokorny | Jul 10, 2025 | News story

Soldier fly larvae: Beneficial compost helpers

Soldier fly larvae are voracious consumers of high nitrogen materials such as kitchen food scraps and manures, as they decay.

Kym Pokorny | Jul 1, 2025 | News story

Understanding tomato diseases helps gardeners grow with confidence

Boost your garden success with expert tips to identify, treat, and prevent common issues in tomato plants.

Kym Pokorny | Jun 26, 2025 | News story

Prepare your garden now for summer heat and drought

Tips from OSU Extension to keep your garden healthy through hot, dry summer months.

Kym Pokorny | Jun 19, 2025 | News story

How to protect yourself and your plants during extreme heat

Keep hydrated. Carry a water bottle – and use it! You need water as much as your plants do.

Kym Pokorny | Jun 17, 2025 | News story

Why soil pH matters — and how to manage it in your garden

The availability of key nutrients — including nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium — is influenced by pH.

Kym Pokorny | Jun 10, 2025 | News story

Unconfirmed spotted lanternfly sighting prompts reminder for vigilance

Until a physical specimen is collected and confirmed, spotted lanternfly is not considered present in Oregon.

Kym Pokorny, Chris Branam | May 22, 2025 | News story

Melons can thrive in Western Oregon with the right varieties and care

Cooler conditions require more attention to variety selection and cultivation methods.

Kym Pokorny | May 15, 2025 | News story

Native plants attract more pollinators than cultivars in OSU study

It was the first study of its kind to look closely at how pollinators like bees and butterflies interact with both wild native plants and their cultivated versions in the Pacific Northwest.

Kym Pokorny, Chris Branam | May 8, 2025 | News story

OSU Extension research confirms tunnel systems can extend Oregon's strawberry season

High and low tunnels help protect strawberry plants from rain and cold, raise temperatures around the plants and extend the growing season.

Kym Pokorny, Chris Branam | May 1, 2025 | News story

How to identify and manage moles, voles and gophers in Oregon gardens

Identify signs of underground wildlife before they cause lasting damage.

Kym Pokorny | Apr 17, 2025 | News story

Wood ash can benefit gardens, with precautions

Turn fireplace ashes into garden gold — with care

Kym Pokorny | Apr 8, 2025 | News story

Fall in love with colorful, dazzling dahlias

With names like pompom, collarette, mignon and waterlily, the forms are as charming as the plants themselves.

Kym Pokorny | Apr 3, 2025 | News story

Integrated pest management makes backyard orchards easier

Tips for healthier harvests with less spraying in your backyard orchard.

Apr 1, 2025 | News story

Container gardening: Grow vegetables even without yard space

Good candidates include lettuce, herbs, tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, carrots, beans, squash, radishes, kale, chard and spinach.

Kym Pokorny | Mar 27, 2025 | News story

Choosing the right fertilizer for your garden

Tips on nutrients, timing and application.

Kym Pokorny | Mar 24, 2025 | News story

Lilac blight disease spoils spring blooms but can be managed

Wet, cool weather creates ideal conditions for a destructive disease.

Kym Pokorny | Mar 18, 2025 | News story

Invasive weeds can hitchhike into your yard — here’s how to fight back

Keeping weeds at bay can be frustrating, but it can be done.

Kym Pokorny | Mar 13, 2025 | News story

Sweet peas add color and fragrance to Oregon gardens

Add old-fashioned charm with fragrant sweet peas.

Kym Pokorny | Mar 6, 2025 | News story

Choose the right lawn mower for your yard

How you choose between rotary, reel and electric models has to do with your situation and preferences.

Kym Pokorny | Mar 4, 2025 | News story

Finding the right balance for eco-lawns and pollinators

OSU research shows clover and yarrow work best, but even low-input lawns require maintenance.

Kym Pokorny | Mar 4, 2025 | News story

Prune apple trees in late winter for stronger growth and better fruit

Late winter is the best time to prune an apple tree.

Kym Pokorny | Feb 25, 2025 | News story

Growing herbs indoors adds flavor, saves money

Place herbs in a bright window — a south-facing one is usually ideal.

Kym Pokorny | Feb 20, 2025 | News story

Growing asparagus takes patience but rewards gardeners for years

Asparagus should be planted as soon as the soil can be properly prepared in the spring.

Kym Pokorny | Feb 13, 2025 | News story

Thinking about an apple tree? Start with variety, pruning and spray basics

Apples thrive in the Pacific Northwest, but success takes planning, routine care and timely winter work.

Kym Pokorny | Feb 11, 2025 | News story

Oregon State Extension videos help homeowners learn how to prune mature trees

Pruning is essential to maintain a tree’s value.

Kym Pokorny | Feb 6, 2025 | News story

Why succulents remain a favorite for Oregon gardeners

Low-care houseplants and hardy outdoor varieties offer form, color and easy propagation.

Kym Pokorny | Jan 28, 2025 | News story

Coffee grounds boost soil health — and help control slugs

Turn a daily habit into a garden helper with this simple sustainability tip.

Kym Pokorny | Jan 23, 2025 | News story

Oregon State expands online dairy manufacturing training

Since June 2023, more than 1,000 learners have enrolled; 160 earned certificates, and participants give the program a 98% positive rating.

Kym Pokorny | Jan 14, 2025 | News story

Prune grapevines in winter for healthier plants and better harvests

OSU Extension horticulturist shares tips for proper pruning technique.

Kym Pokorny | Jan 7, 2025 | News story

Annual home inspection for moisture, insects helps prevent costly damage

Stop problems before they grow.

Kym Pokorny | Jan 2, 2025 | News story

Prune highbush blueberries every winter for bigger, better harvests

Trim smarter: simple cuts now mean bigger blueberries later.

Kym Pokorny | Dec 31, 2024 | News story

Turn to gardening books for comfort and inspiration

Add a fire and a cup of tea and relax with one of these books recommended by Oregon State University Extension Service horticulturists.

Kym Pokorny | Dec 18, 2024 | News story

Protect landscapes when freezing weather moves in

Simple ways to help plants survive winter cold.

Kym Pokorny | Dec 5, 2024 | News story

RancHER webinar series grows into global platform for women in beef ranching

Since its launch, RancHER has hosted more than 24 female speakers and attracted over 500 participants worldwide.

Kym Pokorny | Dec 3, 2024 | News story

Winter sprays help fruit trees stay healthy

OSU Extension tree fruit expert outlines a simple, low-toxicity schedule to prevent pests and diseases.

Kym Pokorny | Nov 21, 2024 | News story

End-of-season garden chores make for a smoother start in spring

Tidy up the garden and garage now for a smoother, healthier start to spring.

Kym Pokorny | Nov 15, 2024 | News story

Turn fall yard debris into compost for a healthier garden

Composting is a low-cost, high-reward way to turn garden waste into a valuable resource.

Kym Pokorny | Nov 5, 2024 | News story

Bats: helpful neighbors with a bad rap

Bats eat insects, aid farms and gardens, and aren’t the monsters of myth.

Kym Pokorny | Oct 31, 2024 | News story

Plant bulbs in pots now for vibrant blooms in spring

Bulbs often do better in pots than in the ground because pots provide better drainage, critical for their long-term survival.

Kym Pokorny | Oct 24, 2024 | News story

Choose small trees that fit city yards

Choose the right tree for the site, then plant for year-round interest.

Kym Pokorny | Oct 24, 2024 | News story

Add fall color to the landscape with vibrant, easy-care shrubs

While trees often steal the spotlight in fall, shrubs offer equally rich color and beauty.

Kym Pokorny | Oct 18, 2024 | News story