Robby Spring has sprung and gardeners can hardly wait to get their hands in the soil. If you have any questions before you start, you can use Ask an Expert, an online question-and-answer service from Oregon State University’s Extension Service. OSU Extension faculty and master gardeners reply to queries within two business days, usually less. To … Read more
Ranunculus are beautiful spring blooming flowers that add a pop of color to gardens, floral arrangements, and events. Their ruffled, rose-like blooms come in a rainbow of colors like pink, red, yellow, orange, purple, and white. Many people wonder if they can plant ranunculus in the spring or if they need to be planted in … Read more
As a gardener and magnolia enthusiast, I’m always on the lookout for new magnolia varieties that offer great benefits. One magnolia that has caught my attention recently is Bracken’s Brown Beauty magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora ‘Bracken’s Brown Beauty’) This eye-catching magnolia boasts a moderate yet mighty growth rate that allows you to enjoy both rapid growth … Read more
When it comes to establishing a beautiful lawn from seed, proper germination is key Understanding the ideal temperature range for grass seed germination will help ensure success. Let’s take a closer look at this important factor Why Temperature Matters Temperature affects grass seed germination in several key ways: Enzymatic reactions needed for germination occur best … Read more
While I study plant biotechnology, I often think about how bad it is for nature when people don’t know enough about it or spread false information. That is why I am so passionate about bringing people and nature closer together again. Favourite fruit: raspberries, strawberries and pineapple Favourite vegetables: courgettes, broccoli and cucumbers. True, an … Read more
Growing strawberries in bags is an easy and fun way to produce a bountiful berry harvest in a small space These compact fruit plants thrive when grown vertically in breathable bags or pouches filled with lightweight potting mix Discover the many benefits of container strawberries and how to get a healthy, high-yielding crop using this … Read more
A lush green lawn is the dream for many homeowners. However, achieving that perfect carpet of grass requires using high-quality grass seed This leads many gardeners to wonder – how long does grass seed last in a bag? Understanding the shelf life and viability of grass seed is crucial to lawn success. Read on to … Read more
Agapanthus is a gorgeous plant, but unfortunately, it carries a hefty price tag. If you have an adult plant, it’s easy to make more by dividing it, or you can plant agapanthus seed pods. It’s not hard to grow agapanthus plants from seeds, but keep in mind that the plants probably won’t bloom for at … Read more
Mulch is a gardener’s best friend This organic or inorganic ground cover retains moisture, suppresses weeds, and improves soil health over time But what happens if you need to add new soil after applying mulch? Can you simply spread soil on top of the mulch layer? Or does mulch need to be removed before topping … Read more
There’s no more iconic flowering tree than a cherry blossom tree. Many people come from all over the world to see Japan’s famous cherry trees in bloom every spring. The flowers are called sakura in Japanese. Their flowers are pretty, smell nice, and are truly magical when the petals start to fall off in fluffy … Read more