Gardening Advice from a Master Gardener

Pity the poor poinsettia

Debunks the myth of the poisonous poinsettia and provides some tips for its care as a houseplant during the holiday season.

Fall lawn care

Explains how to care for home lawns in the fall as part of an overall lawn care plan in the Pierce County WA area.

Planting trees and shrubs

Explains best practices when planting trees and shrubs in the yard in the Pierce County WA area.

Tomato problems

Explains common problems growing tomatoes in the Pacific Northwest.

Fall bulbs for spring flowers

Gives information on how, when and what to plant in the fall for spring flowers in the Pacific Northwest

Rain Gardens

Explains the concept of a rain garden with links to websites with how to information for Pierce County and western Washington.

What is Hugelkultur?

Describes the hugelkultur method of composting

Encouraging bumblebees

Explains the lifecycle of bumblebees and how to provide habitat to encourage their survival in western Washington.

How to make compost

Explains both the hot and cold methods of making compost.

What is good garden soil?

Provides information on how to create and maintain good garden soil for growing vegetables and flowers in Pierce County WA

What is eating my plants?

Information on dealing with insect pests organically in Pierce County WA.

What is a Master Gardener?

Explains what Master Gardeners do in Pierce County and a link for application information.

Spiders

Information on the common species of spiders in Washington

Vegetable garden project how to's

Provides information on how to build structures for the vegetable garden and explores links from the Pierce County Master Gardener website.

Growing basil

Provides information on how to grow sweet basil in Pierce County WA

Apple tree pest problems

Description of the three most common pests of apple trees in western Washington and where to find authoritative information on controlling them

Growing cucumbers

Information on growing cucumbers in Pierce County WA

Growing squash

Information on growing squash, pumpkins and zucchini in Pierce County WA.

Growing carrots

Information on how to grow carrots in Pierce County WA. 9

Apartment vegetable gardening

Explains how you can grow your own vegetables on your apartment balcony in Pierce County WA