Browse resources Displaying 1 - 10 of 21 resources Photo by Lynn Ketchum. (Cropped from original) Rhododendrons and azaleas need a strong acidic soil The most effective way to correct an iron deficiency for these plants is to acidify the soil. Jun 4, 2024 | News story Credit: Hope Stephens (Cropped from original) Add organic matter to improve garden soils Good organic amendments for garden soils include wood by-products such as sawdust and bark mulch, rotted manure, grass or wheat straw and compost. Feb 27, 2024 | News story Credit: Hope Stephens (Cropped from original) Slow, cool composting is the easy way Cool, slow composting is an easy method for people who don’t have the time or desire to tend to a hot compost pile. Oct 15, 2023 | News story Credit Tom Gentle (Cropped from original) No-till gardening keeps soil – and plants – healthy No-till gardening minimizes soil disruption, which compacts the soil and destroys the pathways that channel air and water through the soil. Kym Pokorny | Sep 5, 2023 | News story Credit: Tiffany Woods (Cropped from original) Instead of leaving soil naked, coat it with cover crops Grow "green manure" to keep soil from eroding, weeds from exploding and to add nutrients. Kym Pokorny | Jul 27, 2023 | News story Used appropriately, coffee grounds improve soil and kill slugs Coffee grounds can be worked into the soil or added to a compost pile but should be done with some restraint. Kym Pokorny | Jun 23, 2023 | News story Credit: Logan Bennett (Cropped from original) Turn manure into compost for your garden Animal manure is rich in nutrients that make it a great organic fertilizer for your garden. Kym Pokorny | Apr 19, 2023 | News story Let soil temperature guide you when planting vegetables This year, however, paying attention to soil temperature is the best way to go for knowing when to plant vegetables. An inexpensive soil thermometer helps keep planting time in perspective. Kym Pokorny | Mar 20, 2023 | News story Harvesting peat moss contributes to climate change, Oregon State scientist says Decomposition releases carbon back into the atmosphere, contributing to a warming climate. Kym Pokorny | Dec 9, 2022 | News story Credit; Jessica Green (Cropped from original) Don’t worry, maggots help break down compost pile Soldier fly larvae are voracious consumers of high nitrogen materials such as kitchen food scraps and manures, as they decay. Kym Pokorny | Aug 19, 2022 | News story Pagination Current page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Next page Next › Last page Last »