Asparagus, beets, carrots and summer squash are some of the vegetables you can grow along the coast. Learn what to watch out for in a region known for cooler temperatures.
Although grain crops bring in less revenue than vegetables or fruit, they can become an important part of a farming enterprise. Grains are less labor-intensive and can be grown when fields need a rest.
Discusses identification, life cycle, monitoring, action thresholds, biological control, organic controls, and chemical controls. Includes color photos for identification.
Poison oak plants contain a chemical that causes a severe rash. Learn how to spot a plant, safely remove, and clean your clothes, gear and skin afterward to prevent a rash.
Silage-making has been used to reduce the concentrations of toxins in a variety of crops. But in the case of poison hemlock, the opposite is true — making silage out of it actually increases one of its toxic alkaloids.
Tansy ragwort, an invasive weed that can harm certain types of livestock, is making a comeback in western Oregon. Find out how to control it and protect your animals.
Shelby Filley, Andy Hulting, Gene Pirelli, Eric Coombs |
Aug 2011 |
Article
Q: The straw mulch I used at the end of summer to suppress the weeds doesn't seem to be working. Should I till it and cover with plastic? black or clear? Is there something better. Or should I add more straw. I could probably bring some cardboard home from work. Is this a healthy option?
Q: My so-called lawn needs help — it consists of clumps of grass with bare spots between. My small yard is completely fenced with a large apple tree shading much of it, so the grass gets at most 3 to 4 hours of sun ...
Q: I see farmers in Hermiston topping their corn fields. It looks like they chop off the top 2 feet or so. Does this make corn ripen faster or increase the size of the ears or just decrease the amount of roughage going through the combine or something else?