Hello, I am trying to plant beets and radishes this year in my garden. I live in St. Paul. Do you think it is safe to start planting them now or should I wait longer in case there is another frost? Also, would you recommend filling the soil at all first? Thanks, Berg (she/her)

Hello, I have been doing some research and would like to try planting the three sisters - corn, beans and squash. I have seen mixed advice about growing one or another in advance. I wanted to get your thoughts on if it is ok to plant all three seeds together at the same time or if I should start one before the others. Also, is it necessary to plant them on a mound or elevation? Thanks, Berg (she/her)

I am told that some of the most used home orchard pesticides have been removed from the market. Has Extension published new guidance for best available replacements, such as organic or reduced risk materials which are acceptable and effective for the small grower. The same question applies for the home vineyard use.

Just curious if you have any ideas on what may be going on with our tree? It is in a row of 4 of them and this particular one is getting pretty bare on one side. It looks like one next to it may be starting as well. Is there anything we can do to help them? We just starting renting this home last August and really started noticing it late fall and through the winter.

I was given a large amount of lemons and am trying to find a tested lemonade concentrate (or lemonade or lemon syrup) recipe to use to water bath can them. I have already done some using the Ball Strawberry lemonade concentrate, as well as salt preserving others but still have a lot left over. I am finding some lemonade recipes calling for a 1:1 ratio (1 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice, 1 cup sugar + 6 cups water) heated to 190 degrees and water bath canned for 15 minutes for pints. Does that sound right or do you know of any resources or tested recipes?

Hello my name is Jim, and I have a farm outside of Corvallis. I am looking for an organic gardener for the summer to produce food for my family iand the community. I would love to find help setting up a garden growing vegetables and preparing them for storage. Pay would be negotiable as well as housing on the property. I was thinking this might be a nice opportunity for a student who would like to work and stay close to campus for the summer. I am currently a business owner living between Portland and Corvallis so for the most part they would have the property to themselves. Finding the right fit is most important. Jim Mathany<personal data hidden> <personal data hidden>

How do I care for thickly overgrown liriope? Will it help to cut it all down? Is there a correct way to thin it?

I have two Annabelle hydrangeas that have been growing for a long time and do quite well on the west side of the house with a layer of gravel on top of black plastic. I'm wondering if this allows them to get through the winter and both are sending out leaves on last year's growth. I was thinking of removing the plastic and putting the gravel in the driveway to fill in the ruts as the gravel matches the driveway gravel and also, I wouldn't have to buy and haul more gravel for the driveway. Would replacing the plastic and gravel with wood mulch give the same insulating qualities of getting the plants through our unpredictable winters? Or should I just leave them alone? I wouldn't have to haul woods chips as I have plenty of trees that need chipping up rather than simply burning them. What are your thoughts and both of these hydrangeas send out suckers and I was considering digging them up and planting in the same bed .

I picked up a Sister Rosie Scotch Broom at Oakland Nursery in Columbu, OH. I hava a perfect spot for it and really want to use it but I have become aware that there is an issue with the Scotch Broom being considered a noxious weed in the West and PNW. Is this thing safe to plant in Columbus 6b? It will be in a bed with other specimen plants but I don't want to create a problem fo rmyself and the entire neighborhood. I have tried to research these other varieties and I don't think these are sterile. https://www.provenwinners.com/plants/cytisus/sister-rosie-scotch-broom-cytisus-scoparius