• OSU Extension programs
• Learn to save garden seeds
• Grow herbs in sun and shade
• Building healthy garden soils for better vegetables
• Master Gardeners help our community one question at a time
• TSWCD awards grants

OSU Extension programs

The OSU Extension Master Gardener™ program is a vibrant community of passionate volunteers dedicated to making a positive impact across Oregon. Through their commitment to sustainable gardening practices and science-based education, Master Gardener volunteers empower individuals and communities to grow their own food; build community relationships and resiliency; and foster a deeper connection to the natural world.

Learn to save garden seeds

Saturday, August 29, 10 am–noon, Portland Community College campus, 17705 NW Springville Rd, Building 4, Room 103, Portland

Learn the fundamentals of saving your own seeds. Discover how to identify seeds in common garden vegetables and flowers, when they are ready to pick and process, and methods for successful storage. Seeds and supplies are provided; take home seeds for next year’s garden. Presented by Andrea Flint, OSU Extension Master Gardener Volunteer. Class approved for 1 hour Continuing Education credit for MG Perennials.

Grow herbs in sun and shade

Saturday, August 22, 10 am–noon, 8005 SW Grabhorn Rd, Beaverton

Join the Herb class in the Learning Garden at Jenkins Estate. Tour the Herb Spiral featuring more than 40 herbs that thrive in the Northwest climate. Learn how herbs add beauty and fragrance to your garden, and what to plant, where to plant, and how to harvest, use, and store them, including container growing for limited spaces. Presented by Judy Fenker, Anna Stubbs, and Lorill Hirschberger, OSU Extension MG Volunteers. Class approved for 1 hour Continuing Education credit for MG Perennials.

Building healthy garden soils for better vegetables

Tuesday, September 1, 7-8 pm online, free, pre-registration required.

Bruce Gravens will focus on the techniques you can deploy to improve the health of your garden soil and as a result the quality of your fruits and vegetables.

What are the characteristics of a healthy soil and what is the role of “Soil Organic Matter” in building healthy garden soils? Bruce will try to tease out how the results of “No Till” farmland research can inform your garden soil improvement process. He will review the common techniques of soil improvement ranging from extreme no-till to the disruption of “Double Dig,” all of which try to preserve and increase soil organic matter and their drawbacks. The program ends with a description of Bruce’s process of garden soil improvement.

Master Gardeners help our community one question at a time

Got garden questions? Wondering what’s going on with your tomatoes? Interested in low-water-use plants that thrive in our region? Perplexed about whether the insects on your chard are friend or foe?

Contact the OSU metro area Master Gardener Helpline via web form or voicemail, and let’s talk plants! We have volunteers online seven days a week to answer your garden conundrums and share sustainable gardening guidance for thriving gardens!

TSWCD awards grants

Tualatin Soil and Water Conservation District’s Conservation Education Grant helps organizations implement projects that promote conservation education or conservation workforce development in Washington County.

One of the grants was awarded to Beaverton School District for Native Plant Professional Development and Educational Field Trips. This project will provide a professional development session for BSD teachers on the “Tend, Gather, and Grow” curriculum; provide transportation for eight elementary classes to visit a working farm with a native hedge; and support the installation of at least one native plant learning garden at an elementary school. On field trips, students will learn from a farmer and high school students about the importance of native plants to conservation of our local ecosystem.

Interested in applying for a Conservation Education Grant? Find eligibility requirements and application details here.