Gardening Tips

Whether you're just getting started or you've been digging in Portland soil for years, these guides are here to help. From quick videos to step-by-step how-tos, we cover what actually works in our Zone 8b climate, rainy winters, dry summers, and all.

How ToAug 15, 2026

Conquering The Pile Of Yard Debris: Disposal Methods In The Portland Metro Area

Living in the lush, green environment of the Pacific Northwest means gardening and yard maintenance are year-round activities. While the constant growth is beautiful, it also means that a massive pile

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Pest ControlAug 14, 2026

Battling the Slime: A Guide to Slugs and Snails

Understanding these pests and implementing a comprehensive, Integrated Pest Management strategy can help you protect your garden without disrupting the local ecosystem. 1. Meet the Pests While they lo

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Pest ControlAug 13, 2026

Whack-A-Mole Doesn't Work - Other Options

Few turf management issues spark as much frustration as waking up to fresh, volcano-shaped soil mounds across a manicured lawn or flowerbed. Moles are insectivores—primarily hunting earthworms, grubs,

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Pest ControlAug 12, 2026

Deer! Oh Dear!

Managing deer around the garden starts with making the space less appealing and harder to reach. Deer are opportunistic grazers, so the most effective approach is usually a mix of deterrents rather th

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GeekingAug 11, 2026

The Three Sisters Garden: A Masterclass in Harmony

For centuries, indigenous communities across the Americas have utilized an ingenious agricultural technique known as the "Three Sisters" garden. By interplanting corn, beans, and squash in the same mo

3 sisters gardencornbeanssquash

PruningAug 10, 2026

Bamboo, Nandina, Grasses - The Monocot Story

Monocot plants are a big and useful plant group , and some of the best-known ones in gardens are bamboo, ornamental grasses, and nandina. They bring a lot of texture and movement to a landscape, and t

one-leaf seedmonocotbamboonandina

PruningAug 9, 2026

Tree Care - The Basics For Your City Lot

Managing trees on a residential lot is mostly about balancing safety, appearance, and long-term tree health. Small jobs like light shaping or deadwood removal are often fine for a careful homeowner, b

treepruningcity permitarborist

PruningAug 8, 2026

Rose Care in the Rose City

Portland, famously known as the "City of Roses," boasts an ideal climate for growing these beautiful, classic flowers. However, the wet Pacific Northwest winters and dry, warm summers require a specif

rosescity of rosesaphidsblack spot fungus

GeekingAug 7, 2026

Cultivating Balance: Integrated Pest Management in PNW Landscapes

Maintaining a lush residential landscape in the Pacific Northwest comes with unique environmental privileges and challenges. With our distinct wet winters and dry summers, the region hosts a variety o

Integrated pest managementipmbalanced gardening

How ToAug 6, 2026

Growing Tomatoes 101 'Cuz P. Asked - A Comprehensive Guide For Zone 8b

Growing tomatoes in the Pacific Northwest (Zone 8b in our case) is a rewarding endeavor, though it comes with unique regional challenges. Our climate is characterized by mild, wet springs, relatively

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How ToJul 31, 2026

Get 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

micro nutrientssoil chemistrybiocharamendments

DrainageJul 29, 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

drainagebio-swalestorm water management

GeekingJul 28, 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

square foot gardeninghomegrownhome gardenvegetable garden

How ToJul 27, 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

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Pest ControlJul 26, 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

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How ToJul 25, 2026

Mid-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

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Pest ControlJul 20, 2026

These 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. Here is a list o

invasive speciestree of heavenblue bellsivy

GeekingJul 10, 2026

Growing 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

seedsgerminationpropagationculture

PruningJul 9, 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

espalierplant trainingsmall space

MaterialsJul 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

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ToolsJun 29, 2026

All 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

Hand trowelpruning shearsgarden spadeshovel

IrrigationJun 27, 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

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