Get your gardening questions answered | OSU Extension Service

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There are many ways to connect with Master Gardeners. You can also access research and resources available online through OSU Extension.

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Effective, low risk solutions for Pacific Northwest pests & weeds landscape overhead

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Explore Solve Pest Problems

Learn research-based, safe, and effective tactics for common garden and property pests and weeds. We provide non-chemical methods alongside the most effective and least toxic chemical options available, to reduce risk to people and the environment.

Identify and learn about the pest or weed.
Determine if action is needed. Some pests or weeds need attention, some can be left alone.
Learn how to get rid of the problem and understand any risks associated with various options.
After taking action, follow up with preventive steps for long-term success.

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Recent gardening articles

Stopping the spread of jumping worms calls for vigilance

The jumping worm, an invasive species new to Oregon, harms the soil by reducing it to granules, making it more porous and less able to retain water. Here's how to identify jumping worms and help stop their spread.

Gail Langellotto, Samuel Chan, LeAnn Locher | May 2021 | Article Peer reviewed (Gray level)

How do I test my garden soil?

Learn why you should test your garden soil and the different kinds of tests to ask for. Resources include instructions for how to collect a soil sample for testing and a short video demonstration.

Brooke Edmunds | Apr 2021 | Article Peer reviewed (Gray level)

Should I wait to clean up the garden in order to help conserve insects?

Addressing a current popular meme in social media encouraging waiting to clean up your garden until temperatures reach 50º F or higher, in order to help conserve insects. We address the claim that if you clean your garden ...

Gail Langellotto | Mar 2021 | Article Peer reviewed (Gray level)

Heat wave in the garden: How to identify and prevent heat stress in plants

When a heatwave hits, plants may show the impact. Learn the signs of heat stress in plants and how to help them weather a heatwave with best practices for watering, mulching, shading, providing humidity and weeding.

Nicole Sanchez | Jun 2021 | Article Peer reviewed (Gray level)

How to protect yourself from ticks

Ticks are a common nuisance for hikers, gardeners and those who enjoy the outdoors. They feed on the blood of humans and animals, and can spread disease. Learn how to identify ticks and how to protect yourself.

Brooke Edmunds | Jun 2021 | Article Peer reviewed (Gray level)

How to help bees survive a heat wave

Extreme summer heat can pose a danger to bees. Although bees have ways to keep cool, many gardeners put out shallow trays of water and pebbles to help them. Does that help? Here's what the science says.

Andony Melathopoulos, Gail Langellotto | Jul 2021 | Article Peer reviewed (Gray level)

How to help hydrangeas weather a heat wave

A heat wave can turn a hydrangea's lush green leaves and beautiful blooms brown and brittle in no time. But it doesn't have to be that way. Here's what gardeners can do to protect hydrangeas from the heat.

Heather Stoven | Jul 2021 | Article Peer reviewed (Gray level)

Top tips for gardeners to help fight climate change

As Oregon gardeners have noticed, our climate is changing — it's hotter, drier and more severe. Learn how to adapt your home garden to climate change, from consuming less to planting with the environment in mind.

Brooke Edmunds | Sep 2021 | Article Peer reviewed (Gray level)

How to grow and maintain a healthy lawn

Maintaining a healthy lawn requires a little knowledge and a big commitment to regular maintenance. Learn what it takes, from seeding or sodding to fertilizing, watering, mowing and aerating.

Weston Miller | Mar 2022 | Article Peer reviewed (Gray level)

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