On the cusp of a new year, some stories of 2022 rise to the top. From invasive insects to soil care to a new website, Oregon State University Extension faculty have been busy. We invite you to take a seat, pour a beverage of your choice and settle in for a fun and informative ride […]
Author : Kym Pokorny
Kym Pokorny is a garden writer with more than 20 years of experience writing for The Oregonian and other publications. She is currently a communications specialist with Oregon State University Extension Service. Kym can be reached at kym.pokorny@oregonstate.edu.
‘Trees to Know’ guidebook helps identify Christmas trees
The holiday season is upon us — and for many, that means choosing a Christmas tree. Whether you’re cutting your own, heading to the lot or choosing a live tree, there’s a lot to be learned by a hike in one of Oregon’s many natural areas. Hit the trail – ask friends for a good […]
New Extension website helps solve pest and disease problems
A new Oregon State University Extension Service website provides a trove of science-based solutions for garden pests, weeds and disease problems in one easy-to-navigate place. The project was shepherded by Weston Miller, an OSU Extension community horticulturist who got the ball rolling six years ago when collaborators expressed interest and provided funds for what would […]
Large increase of brown marmorated stink bugs poses serious threat to Oregon crops
The amount of invasive brown marmorated stink bugs (BMSB) in 2022 tops anything seen in Oregon for at least five years and poses a serious threat to Oregon crops and garden plants, according to Oregon State University Extension Service’s orchard crop specialist. Nik Wiman, an associate professor in the College of Agricultural Sciences, said fruit […]
Tips to making your Christmas tree last
From vodka in the water to I.V. tubes in the trunk, there are lots of urban myths about how to take care of your cut Christmas tree. Chal Landgren, a Christmas tree specialist with Oregon State University Extension Service, busts those myths with answers to some common questions. Q. How do I know a […]
Control slugs now as they lay eggs to hatch in spring
Just as we begin to think about wrapping things up in the garden for the season, slugs slither out of their homes underground to lay their eggs for next year. That means it’s time again to slug it out with one of the gardener’s most familiar, frustrating and certainly slimiest pests. “What slugs want is […]
Seize some seeds from the garden for planting next year
As the gardening season winds down and you pick the season’s last vegetables, you can let some plants go to seed and harvest them for planting next year. “Saving seed can be really fun and is a great way to learn about plants,” said Weston Miller, a horticulturist with Oregon State University Extension Service. “If […]
Give plants a head start by planting in fall
Come spring, excited gardeners drive to nurseries, load up their cars and go home to plant. That’s tradition. But fall planting also ranks high as a time to put plants in the ground. Nurseries may not be as jam packed with plants in fall, but as more people push to plant in autumn, garden stores […]
Harvest is the time to plant winter cover crops to prepare soil for next year’s vegetable garden
No one wants to think of harvest’s end as the vegetable garden reaches peak, but now’s the time to plant over-winter cover crops to improve the soil for next season. If you’re not acquainted with cover crops, here’s the rundown: These hardworking plants can add organic matter and aerate the soil, protect it from compaction […]
Don’t worry, maggots help break down compost pile
Most people shudder when they see maggots in their bin composter or compost pile. They may be startling in their appearance and movement, but they won’t hurt you or the compost. In fact, they play a role in breaking down plant and animal tissues. Often, these maggots are the larval life stage of compost-dwelling soldier […]