Gardening Resources

Access reliable, research-based gardening information through our curated collection of resources. From university Extension publications to online diagnostic tools, these materials represent the same sources our Master Gardener volunteers use to answer your gardening questions.

University Extension Resources

Land-grant universities across the country provide free, science-based gardening information through their Extension programs. These publications are written by university faculty and undergo peer review, ensuring accuracy and reliability.

Key Extension Resources

Plant Problem Diagnosis

When you cannot visit our Plant Clinic in person, these online tools can help you identify plant problems:

Diagnostic Tools

Pacific Northwest Plant Disease Management Handbook - Comprehensive disease identification and management
Pacific Northwest Insect Management Handbook - Pest identification and control options
Pacific Northwest Weed Management Handbook - Weed identification and management strategies

The UC Integrated Pest Management Program offers extensive resources on environmentally responsible pest management approaches.

Gardening Topics

Soil and Composting

Healthy soil is the foundation of a successful garden. Learn about soil testing, amendments, and composting to build fertile ground for your plants.

Integrated Pest Management

IPM combines cultural, biological, and chemical strategies to manage pests with minimal environmental impact.

Sustainable Landscaping

Learn water-wise gardening techniques, native plant gardening, and environmentally responsible landscape practices.

Food Gardening

From vegetable gardening basics to advanced techniques like succession planting and season extension.

Local Gardening Calendar

Timing is everything in gardening. Extension gardening calendars provide month-by-month guidance for:

When to start seeds indoors
Safe transplanting dates
Pruning schedules for trees and shrubs
Pest monitoring timing
Harvest and storage guidance

Recommended Reading

For deeper exploration of gardening topics, we recommend these authoritative books:

Growing Vegetables West of the Cascades
Steve Solomon
Regional vegetable gardening bible
The Maritime Northwest Garden Guide
Month-by-month gardening tasks
Rodale's Ultimate Encyclopedia of Organic Gardening
Comprehensive organic methods
Dirr's Encyclopedia of Trees and Shrubs
Definitive woody plant reference

Additional Resources

Explore our other resource pages for specific topics: