Blueberries grow well in the Pacific Northwest. To get the most out of your bushes, it helps to understand the form and function of each part of the plant.
Plant hormones and growth regulators are chemicals that affect flowering, aging, root growth, distortion and killing of organs, prevention or promotion of stem elongation, color enhancement of fruit, prevention of leafing and/or leaf fall, and many other conditions.
Ann Marie VanDerZanden |
Jul 2012 |
Article
Credit: EESC slide collection (Cropped from original)
The savory goodness of mushrooms isn't confined to those fresh from the saute pan — they can be preserved by canning, freezing, drying and pickling. Here's a guide to how to expand your mushroom repertoire.
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
It’s important to keep food safety in mind when storing herbs or vegetables such as garlic, mushrooms and chili peppers in oil. The combination of these low-acid foods and oil create an environment for deadly bacteria.
Alternative feeds can provide beef producers with economical alternatives to traditional feedstuffs. There are pitfalls, however, and special care must be taken to ensure the alternative feeds are safe.
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: I'm composting on site and wondering how concerned I should be about adding the grass clippings. Is there a weed killer that I could use that is safe to compost for a food garden? I’ve been looking into a vinegar/dish soap mix.