Paying attention to the interactions among plants is important for gardeners. Building a successful plant community – whether it's an ornamental garden, grass lawn or annual crop – requires knowing when to take steps to ensure an optimum growing environment.
Consider the variety of fertilizers at any garden center: It’s apparent that fertilizer is not one size fits all. Understanding fertilizer basics helps gardeners avoid mistakes and get the most from their plants.
Managing mud and manure in livestock areas does not have to be a dirty job. Paying attention to drainage and hardening heavily trafficked areas can keep the mud at bay. Here's a step-by-step guide.
Shelby Filley, Sara Runkel, Melissa Fery |
Mar 2020 |
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.
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.
Beans of all kinds are a good crop for beginning gardeners because they're easy to grow. Still, some knowledge about how beans grow best will increase the chances for a bountiful harvest.
When a heatwave hits, plants may show the impact. Learn the signs of heat stress in plants and how to help them weather a heatwave with best practices for watering, mulching, shading, providing humidity and weeding.
When leasing land for growing crops or grazing livestock, there's more to consider than just the cost. Lease agreements can be as simple as a handshake, but it's best to get legal advice and have conditions in writing.
The June 2021 heat wave caused significant damage to trees in Oregon. Learn some key findings on causes, types of damage, physiological "thermotolerance" of trees, and possible forest management implications.
Damage assessments after the historic heat wave of June 2021 in Oregon provided lessons for the state's Christmas tree growers. Those assessments showed how damage varied by type of tree and location of farms.