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Often not considered, soil pH has as much effect on plant health as disease, insects, drought and drainage. Keeping pH in the right range for certain plants is essential, according to Weston Miller, Oregon State University Extension Service horticulturist. Plants with specific pH requirements include vegetables, blueberries and rhododendrons. Soil pH is a measurement of […]

One of the fantastic things about gardening is that once summer arrives, you can (hopefully) take a break from the planting and weeding and truly enjoy the beautiful space you’ve created. Sweep off the patio then invite some friends over to sit and relax while enjoying the view. Maybe one way to relax is by […]

If you’re craving homegrown goodies but lack garden space, you’ll find fabulous new vegetable introductions that work wonderfully in your edible containers. While many tomatoes can grow in pots, you’ll need a large, 5-gallon container to grow traditional varieties. However, with advances in breeding, new, compact varieties make the perfect addition to container gardens, even growing […]

So, your vegetable garden is growing lush and fruitful – or not. If the latter is true, you may need to feed your plants. Chip Bubl, associate professor and horticulturist at Oregon State University Extension Service, has been giving vegetable gardening advice for many years and offers up some tips about mid-summer feeding for plants. […]

If your porch, patio, or balcony is more shady than sunny, don’t worry: we have container combinations for you! We’ve talked about Quick and Easy Summer Sun Containers, now let’s talk about summer container gardening in the shade using the 1plant, 2 plants, 3 plants method as well… One for Shade When you’re gardening in shade or […]

Jumping worms, a not-so-nice pest that arrived in the United States in the 1920s as fishing bait and as hitchhikers on imported plants and soils, have vaulted into gardens and nurseries up and down the Willamette Valley corridor. Unlike beneficial earthworms and nightcrawlers that burrow deep tunnels in the soil, aerating and releasing nutrients as […]

Gardeners around the Northwest are distraught by the damage suffered by their plants during the recent heat wave. Questions have come pouring into Oregon State University Extension Service and experts weigh in on what to do now. There’s no denying the damage is severe, said Heather Stoven, OSU Extension horticulturist. Some plants died and others […]

People and plants need care to make it through the coming heatwave – 111 on Sunday some forecasts say – without wilting. Erica Chernoh, Oregon State University Extension Service horticulturist, offers some ideas to help keep yourself and your garden as comfortable as possible. Keep hydrated. Carry a water bottle – and use it! You […]

Originally appeared at National Gardening Bureau Create a Tropical Paradise with Hardy Hibiscus Flower Gardening, Garden Planning & Design You can create your own Tropical Paradise with the Delicious Hues of Summer Spice® Hardy Hibiscus! Creating a tranquil tropical escape for summer staycations may seem daunting, especially if you garden in northern zones. After all, the spectacular blooms […]

Originally appeared at National Gardening Bureau Create beautiful sun container gardens quickly and easily with just one, two, or three plants. There’s a reason container gardening is so popular. It’s easy for new gardeners to grow plants without a big time or money commitment. Experienced gardeners use container gardens to add focal points, design elements, and curb […]