Grow Your Knowledge
Access growing information and printable guides on caring for lawns, creating pollinator habitat, and fruit tree and berry plant care.
Watering Plants & Protecting Them From Extreme Heat
Extreme heat, particularly in early summer when plants haven't acclimated to the heat, can have harsh effects on the garden. To minimize heat damage there are several things you can do to protect your plants: Water Properly High temperatures can take moisture from the...
Enhance Your Edible Garden with Companion Plants
When you’re companion planting, the goal is to encourage as many positive relationships between plants as possible while minimizing the natural competition they can have with one another. Plants often compete for root space, sunlight, and nutrients, so thoughtful...
Plants for Birds
Feeding birds can be fun, but without the appropriate habitat the quantity and variety of birds showing up at feeders can be limited. Here are some recommendations of plants that provide birds with the food and shelter they need to thrive. Native plants are preferred,...
Bee & Pollinator Plants for the Pacific Northwest Garden
Planning a Multi-Pollinator Landscape Plant a wide variety of nectar plants with different colors, forms, and as wide of a bloom time as available. Plant pollen plants, as wide a bloom time as possible, for honey bees and native bees. Plant larval host plants for...
Fruit, Nut, and Ornamental Tree Spray Schedules
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...
How to Restore a Troubled Lawn
Is your lawn tired, stressed, patchy, or diseased? Take steps now to ensure a lush and healthy lawn. Healthy Soil = Healthy Lawn The foundation of your lawn is the soil. Especially in the Willamette Valley, where soils are generally heavy clay, it is important to take...