I put out two suet feeders in December the they were not getting used. I read that if they’re free swinging the birds won’t use them. I then nailed one to my garage and zip tied one to a bird feeding pole. After two weeks they are still not getting used. Any thoughts about why or how to increase bird traffic?

I’m interested in the Master Gardener volunteer opportunity. How do I sign up?

My Catalpa tree has a vertical crack approximately 4' long, 1/2" wide, 3" deep. I'm concerned it may die or blow over in high winds. What should be done? The base of the trunk is 14"

A friend posted this picture of this insect critter on the sole of his boot. Any ideas? It almost looks like an insect crayfish. It looks like it has clayws like a lobster or crayfish. I took a screenshot from the video and enlarged it a bit. Your help is appreciated. We live in Ann Arbor,Michigan. (I had to select a MN county, so Aitkin seemd appropriate

Hello, Last Summer, I had something living/digging in my garden, never saw it, but there was a "tunel" between two squash plants and the most affected one only produced two fruits. I also noticed that a melon, zucchini and other veggies had been munched on. I heard that wire would keep them from going under my garden bed, but chicken wire is not recommended. I'm thinking I need to remove the soil from the most affected bed to add wire at the bottom and perhaps put some wire around the edges of the bed to prevent them from getting in. What is your recommendation for wire? Would my plan work? If so, would you recommend a foot of wire around the bed? My beds are about 2 - 2.5 feet tall. Thank you!

So in the year 2024 was first time I enter in Monroe county fairs open classes in the Horticulture Classes. So I been able to find the premium catalog that has all the classes and rules. It didn't have information enough information to point, I had call the supervisor of the Horticulture classes about it, and talk to the judges after they judge the classes about the information to answer some my questions. The judges and the supervisor for the Horticulture classes said there was a book or document that everyone could find that be the rules and regulations that suppose be the like big book of rules and regulations that every county fair and judges have follow for all events and classes. What is the book called or What the link to it called? I try looking for, but I ended up dead ends. I want try improve somethings by seeing what the judges are looking for, or what the items I enter are supposed to have.

Can the extension office test for black mold if I bring a sample in?

How do I plant lovage from seed to grow this coming summer? Does it need a cold period? What is the best location. Thank you

We are looking at starting a community garden in Monmouth. We are wondering what support you might have available in terms of grants, people power, education or supplies. Thanks so much

Hi there-- I just bought my first house in SE Portland and am looking ahead to planting and gardening in our almost-entirely-empty yard this coming year. I know I should test the PH Balance of our soil, but am not sure how or what resources are available to me. Could you provide me with information on how to test, or get tested the soil in my yard?