Excessive summer irrigation of oak and madrone trees may promote fungal diseases such as the oak root fungus (aka armillaria root disease) and crown rot.
Home gardeners love to grow tomatoes. But getting a tomato from seedling to fruit can be challenging, especially in Oregon where the weather isn't always cooperative. Here are five things that can ruin a home crop.
Aerated compost teas have no scientifically documented effect as pathogen suppressors. Overuse and runoff of compost teas could conceivably contribute to water pollution. There is no “silver bullet” for plant health problems caused by poor soil health and improper plant selection and management
Linda Chalker-Scott, Ph.D. |
Mar 2015 |
Online resource
Q: Hello, I am a home gardener that recently set up a simple three-sided compost bin made out of wood pallets. I have been putting in my leaf debris, grass clippings, chicken feathers, and home fruit/vegetable scraps. I was ...
Q: We have a large walnut tree and would like to compost the leaves for our vegetable garden. I have read conflicting reports about the ability of composting to break down the toxin juglone. Is it safe to compost these leaves?
Q: I barbecue a lot, and wind up having to dispose of ash leftover from hardwood charcoal (no “briquettes”). Can I put it in my compost and or worm bin? How about on my vegetable garden or flowerbeds?
Q: Once or twice a summer I treat my lawn with weed & feed and spray on weed killer for lawns. Is it safe to use compost made from the lawn clippings? How long should I reasonably wait to use clippings for compost, and is it safe to use the compost in my veggie garden the following summer?