Oregon springs can be unpredictable, but the plants will still pop up. Cheerful crocus are showing yellow and purple. Peas are sprouting from wet soil and perking up toward the sky. While our temperate climate allows for great growing year-round, the annual season for edibles as well as the prime time to dig, plant and play in your yard starts now, weather permitting of course.
Metro and Oregon State University Extension Service are here to help. Building on a long and successful partnership that’s been educating gardeners around the region for years, the 2012 natural gardening program offers a wide range of free resources, including:
- workshops at learning gardens
- staffed tables at farmers markets
- publications on gardening, composting and safe garden products
- online resources, including a library of instructional videos
The classes, guides, and one-on-one answers to your gardening questions are all free. Actually, it’s more than free. You can also download a free coupon for $5 off compost, native plants or hand-weeding tools at more than 30 retailers around the region.
Marking the bloom of the season is Portland’s Yard, Garden and Patio show, which starts Friday, Feb. 17 at the Oregon Convention Center and runs through Sunday, Feb. 19. Metro and OSU Extension Service will host an education booth at the show where you can ask gardening questions, pick up instructional guides and find out more about classes and other free resources.
Gardening naturally protects our families and our pets, our water and our wildlife.
Got questions? For gardening advice, call OSU Extension Service Master Gardeners™
Clackamas County 503–655–8631
Multnomah County 503–445–4608
Washington County 503–821–1150
Learn about the program and pesticide disposal options at 503-234-3000 or by visiting www.oregonmetro.gov/garden.