Providing consistent nutrient supply to plants can be a challenge for the organic gardener. Increased selection and availability of complete organic granular fertilizers has helped, but one characteristic of all of these fertilizers is both their advantage, and their...
One of the first things to consider when planting an edible garden is where do you want your garden to grow, and how much sunlight does the area receive? Start your observation close to the time of sunrise, and observe how the sunlight moves over your proposed garden...
Temperatures can drop quickly! Don’t be blindsided when the hard frosts become the norm of the season. Instead, be prepared, do a little planning and read these tips on how to give your valuable plants some winter protection. Cover Plants Cover sensitive plants to try...
June 2nd through June 8th is National Gardening Week, and we're excited to share it with you. Embracing the spirit of National Gardening Week, we are sharing our "first" gardening experiences because we all started somewhere. We hope our stories inspire you to...
Do you feel like you are falling behind the planting season? Concerned that you have run out of time to plant your favorite fresh garden crop? You're not alone. The schedule for marketing and selling vegetable plant starts for planting in the garden is...
Here in Corvallis, Oregon, at the foothills of the coastal mountain range and opening into the mid-Willamette Valley, the local growing conditions in February and March may seem like a fifth season beyond the usual four - giving us an early spring. Early spring in...
Benefits of Growing & Eating Blueberries Blueberries provide us with more than just scrumptious berries in summer to snack on all day long. Here are just a few excellent benefits of growing blueberry bushes: The flowers of blueberry shrubs are a great food source...
Been dreaming of growing apples in your backyard but aren’t sure if you can, or what to consider when choosing a variety to grow? Here's you guide. First Consider Cross-Pollination To keep it simple, two different varieties of apples must cross-pollinate. Apple trees...
Why start from seed? Savings! The cost of buying a packet of seeds versus buying transplants is quite significant. Depending on the seed, you have the potential to start 30 or more plants from a seed packet for $4.99, compared to getting 6 transplants for $6.99. If...
Regular seasonal spraying is very important for fruit production in Western Oregon. Timed sprays help to control fungal diseases, insects and some bacterial diseases. When spraying in Fall, Winter, and Early Spring, sprays should evenly coat all branches and the...
Planting Currants and gooseberries prefer light soil with good drainage. They need to be in an area where they will receive irrigation. Once established they will tolerate short dry periods, but to encourage the best production consistent watering is important. Plant...
Planting Blackberries are large, trailing plants that require support. They may be grown in rows or clustered around a central stake. They thrive in moist soils but need adequate drainage. Blackberries will tolerate some shade, but will perform and yield best in full...