Ask an expert: Tips on how to mitigate sawfly damage
Updated Jan 10, 2021;
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We’ve passed the winter solstice and that means we’re on the way to spring and gardening season. If you’ve got questions, turn to Ask an Expert, an online question-and-answer tool from Oregon State University’s Extension Service. OSU Extension faculty and Master Gardeners reply to queries within two business days, usually less. To ask a question, simply go to the and type in a question and the county where you live. Here are some questions asked by other gardeners. What’s yours?
Q: For the last two years I have this bush in front of my house that produces new leaves and flowers in the spring, but as soon as the yellow flowers have bloomed it becomes infested and all the leaves get these black gritty dots, and then all that’s left of the leaf is the veins. There also appears to be little bugs on the flowers.
Oregon State University Extension Service is accepting enrollment now for Preserve @ Home, a national award-winning online food safety and preservation course to teach individuals how to safely preserve a variety of food products, according to a news release.
Participants learn how to produce high quality, preserved foods and the science behind food preservation and food safety. Individuals with full-time jobs or live-in remote areas may be very interested in this course because it is self-paced. The topics are released weekly.
A virtual Preserve-along through Zoom is available at the end of the series on Saturday, Feb. 27, 2021.
The registration deadline is Monday, Jan. 11. The first class of the six-week course opens online on Thursday, Jan. 14. Each lesson includes online text (that can be downloaded and printed), online forum to facilitate participant discussion, and a live weekly chat session through Zoom to interact with classmates and instructors.
Get a leg up on fruit tree problems with dormant oils
Updated Dec 28, 2020;
Posted Dec 28, 2020
Ashley Thompson, OSU Extension fruit tree specialist, examines a pear tree for pear scab. Dormant oils applied in winter can help prevent diseases and pests. (Photo by Stephen Ward, Oregon State University)Stephen Ward, Oregon State University
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By Kym Pokorny | For The Oregonian/OregonLive
CORVALLIS – Just when you’re ready for a long winter’s nap, it’s time to tend your fruit trees.
If you don’t, chances are they’ll struggle in the coming season. Giving them attention now helps ward off insects and diseases, said Steve Renquist, a horticulturist for Oregon State University Extension Service who has taught hundreds of gardeners the basics of managing fruit trees.