Gardening Tips
How ToGet Some Vitamins In That Clay - Soil Amendments And Nutrients
Soil Amendments for Portland and the Pacific Northwest: A Gardener’s Guide Gardening in the Pacific Northwest , from the damp river valleys of the Portland metro area to the coastal foothills, present
Jul 27, 2026
Bioswales in Residential Landscapes: A Sustainable Guide
As sustainable landscaping practices gain momentum, homeowners are increasingly looking for ways to manage stormwater runoff on their own properties. In the Pacific Northwest, where heavy winter downp
Jul 26, 2026
Square Foot Gardening: Maximizing Space and Efficiency
Developed by retired civil engineer and author Mel Bartholomew, Square Foot Gardening (SFG) is one of the most popular and efficient intensive planting methods in the world. When combined with a raise
Jul 25, 2026
The "Ultimate" Guide to Raised Bed Gardening or so I claim!
Raised bed gardening is one of the most rewarding ways to grow vegetables, herbs, and ornamental plants. By elevating the growing space above ground level, gardeners can bypass poor native soil, impro
Jul 25, 2026
Weed Control Methods, You Have Options.
Mastering Weeds in Pacific Northwest Gardens Managing weeds in a PNW ornamental garden requires a balanced approach. Below is a comprehensive guide detailing mechanical, organic, and synthetic strateg
Jul 25, 2026
How ToMid-Summer Care For Your Perennial Flowers
Mid-summer in Portland usually means warm, dry spells, so the main goal is to keep perennials consistently watered without overdoing it. Water deeply in the early morning 1–2 times a week, depending o
Jul 25, 2026
Invasive PlantsThese Plants Are Not Your Friends
Invasive and Nuisance Plants to Avoid in Portland, Oregon In the Portland area, several aggressive invaders pose serious threats to both local ecosystems and property infrastructures
Jul 20, 2026
How ToGrowing from seeds - no biology degree needed. Promise!
A quick word about seed germination: Moisture : seeds need consistent moisture to wake up and start growing. Not soggy, not dry, just evenly damp. If they dry out at the wrong time, germination can st
Jul 8, 2026
Espalier - Pruning and Training
Espalier, bonsai's bigger cousin. Espalier is the practice of training a plant to grow flat against a wall, fence, or support frame. It’s a mix of pruning, guidance, and patience, and it can be both p
Jul 8, 2026
Mulch in beds, what, how much, when and where
Mulch: Weed contro l: mulch does a good job of blocking light and making it harder for weed seeds to get started. In the Pacific Northwest, where mild weather can keep weeds active for a long stretch
Jul 8, 2026
ToolsAll the tools you'll ever need
Taking care of your gardening tools not only makes your work easier but also ensures they last for years. Below is a comprehensive list of essential gardening tools, their primary purposes, and the ba
Jun 29, 2026
Irrigation vs Irritation
When choosing between drip irrigation and a sprinkler system, the main consideration is how the space will be used. Lawns : a sprinkler system is generally the better fit. Rotors or spray heads provid
Jun 27, 2026