Ross Penhallegon

Retired

Content by Ross Penhallegon

Festive plants: Which are safe to give as gifts?

Q: I love gifting poinsettia flowers to my friends and family during the holiday time, but it has come to my attention that they may be toxic. Could you let me know which plants are unsafe for gifting to homes with pets?

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Is pet waste dangerous for home gardens?

Q: I'm very concerned about the health hazards of eating food grown in the beds where our dog has pooped. At this point, I could build a fence around the whole garden to stop any further damage, but I'm wondering about the...

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Apple tree burls?

Q: I have a Gala apple tree, around 5 years old. It is a good producer and appears to be in good health, but as you know, requires lots of attention... spraying, etc. I had some apple scab problems with it for the last...

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7 tips for controlling frustrating apple scab

Prevention is the best method when it comes to controlling this fungal disease.

Kym Pokorny | Apr 26, 2019 | News story

Here's the scoop on chemical and organic fertilizers

Use these tips on how to apply organic amendments

Kym Pokorny | Mar 9, 2015 | News story

Spring is a good time to fertilize young trees and shrubs

When young trees soak up nitrogen fertilizer, they grow quickly, develop a dense canopy and stay green into the fall.

Feb 24, 2012 | News story

Prune lilacs soon after bloom

To keep your lilacs looking their best, they need to be pruned, fertilized and shaped almost every year, soon after they are done blooming in the late spring.

Peg Herring | May 20, 2005 | News story

What do the numbers on fertilizer packages mean?

What do the numbers on fertilizer packages mean?

Apr 30, 2004 | News story

Clueless about compost? Expert shares timely tips

Use the 'one-third' system for easy composting

Kym Pokorny | Nov 13, 2015 | News story

Plant cilantro in summer and get coriander seeds

If you plant cilantro in late June or early July, it will flower, or bolt and set seed prematurely during the long, hot days of summer.

Jun 24, 2005 | News story

Training a fruit tree into an espalier takes a good dash of dedication

Turn a tree into a space-saving specimen with some tips from an OSU Extension expert

Kym Pokorny | Jul 10, 2015 | News story