This publication provides direction on estimating soil moisture by the "feel and appearance" method; taking a some soil and rolling it up in a ball then squeezing it between your thumb and forefinger to form a ribbon and noting how it appears and feels. Compare what you see with photographs and/or charts to estimate percent water available and the inches depleted below field capacity.
Recycling organic debris for composting and improving soil doesn’t have to be a chore! If hot composting is not for you, try one of these easy cold-composting methods. Each has advantages and disadvantages but the end result is the same: improved garden soil and less organic waste in landfill.
This report includes preliminary data for the second of a three-year study. Since this year was a record drought year, results could vary from a normal rainfall year. Finalized data and observations will be released in future as peer-reviewed studies, reports, and extension articles. For more information, please visit the RDFA project page. .
For vegetable gardeners who are eager to get going in the spring, root crops are a reliable choice. Radishes, carrots, beets, turnips and onions just need some good soil and consistent watering to jump-start a garden.
Carrot rust flies are well-known to growers of carrots, parsnips, celeriac, celery and other umbelliferous crops. The adults don’t do any damage, but after eggs hatch, larvae burrow into the soil and feed on the roots.
Nick Andrews |
Dec 2009 |
Article
Credit: Oregon State University (Cropped from original)
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.
A codling moth goes through several stages in its life cycle. If you're trying to prevent damage to apples and other fruit, it helps to know when adults and larvae are active.
Wildfire smoke is more than a nuisance. It is a public health hazard that can harm the lungs and cardiovascular system. Here's a look at what makes smoke dangerous and what can be done about it.
You may have encountered white, segmented “worms” or grubs when chopping firewood and wondered what they were. Common questions include, did they kill my tree? And are they a danger to other trees? The quick answers are no, and no.
Jun 2018 |
Article
Photo Credit: Alicja Neumiler - Adobe Stock (Cropped from original)
A collection of articles for growing vegetables in Central Oregon. Include general information, recommendations, soil temperatures, rhubarb, potatoes, cucumbers, beets, carrots, radishes, onions, tomatoes and tomatillos.