Gardening Techniques

Featured Resources

Monthly Garden Calendars

Produced by OSU Extension, each month provides reminders of key garden chores, such as fertilizing, pest control, planting, and maintenance.

May 2018 | Collection

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

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

Latest Resources

How do I collect a soil sample for testing?

Collecting a soil sample for testing is easy. In this video, Dennis Brown, OSU Extension Master Gardener volunteer, Portland Metro Area, demonstrates how to take a soil sample in the garden. Video courtesy of Dennis Brown and Dave Meeker.

Dennis Brown, Dave Meeker | Apr 2021 | Video

What does "harvest date" mean on my seed packets?

Q: The instructions on a seed packet says 22-30 days to harvest. Is this from the time you plant the seed or after it’s sprouted first leaves? Or hardened off and put in the garden/pot?

A: View answer | View all featured questions

A Tribute To The Monarch Butterfly: How To Turn Your Backyard Into A Butterfly Friendly Habitat

Article's focus is to get families and communities interested in helping out the Monarch butterfly by planting butterfly-friendly gardens.

Apr 2021 | Online resource

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Latest News

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

Free virtual Master Gardener education series open to the public

The classes include topics as far-ranging as Dazzling Dahlias to Adapting Your Garden and Landscape to Climate Change.

Kym Pokorny | Jan 29, 2021 | News story

Learn the terms on seed packets to make the right selection

Understanding terms associated with seeds will help you pinpoint which selections best serve specific gardens and practices.

Kym Pokorny | Jan 22, 2021 | News story

All News

Upcoming Events

Apr 21

Attracting Pollinators: 10-Minute University™ Noon-Time Chat

12:00 pm - 1:00 pm PDT Online

Apr 24

Drip Irrigation - In the Garden Series - Washington County Master Gardener Association

10:00 am - 11:00 am PDT Online

May 11

Water-wise gardening | Growing Oregon Gardeners: Level Up Series

3:00 pm - 4:00 pm PDT Online

Jul 13

Fire-wise Landscaping | Growing Oregon Gardeners: Level Up Series

3:00 pm - 4:00 pm PDT Online

Meet Our Experts

Signe Danler

Master Gardener Online Program Instructor

Contact for questions about Online Master Gardener and Home Horticulture program

Amy Jo Detweiler

Horticulture

Brooke Edmunds

Community Horticulture, Master Gardeners

Contact me with gardening questions from Linn or Benton counties

Gail Langellotto

Master Gardener Statewide Coordinator

Have a Question? Ask an Expert!

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Ask Us a Question

What does "harvest date" mean on my seed packets?

Q: The instructions on a seed packet says 22-30 days to harvest. Is this from the time you plant the seed or after it’s sprouted first leaves? Or hardened off and put in the garden/pot?

A: View answer | View all featured questions

See More Questions