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Apple trees that are not pruned for several years, will often produce so many branches that little energy is left for fruit production. Overgrown apple trees are also difficult to harvest and spray. Gardeners who have such a tree are often at a loss as to how to get it back in shape.

One of the most neglected tools for vegetable gardeners is a soil thermometer. Soil temperature is a much better measure of when to plant than air temperature or the calendar. Planting when soil is too cool can cause seeds to rot and transplants to sit there.

Stems of a number of woody plants can be forced into bloom for indoor display. Some plants are easier to force than others.

All-America Selections tests and introduces new flowers and vegetables each year that have done well in trials across North America. This year there were two flower winners, one bedding plant winner and two vegetable winners. Descriptions are taken directly from All-America Selection materials.

Dr. Leonard Perry, Extension Professor at the University of Vermont has some sound advice on how to read seed catalogs.

There are many new varieties of sweet bell and longhorn sweet peppers available for commercial and home growers. (From Kansas University)

Master Gardener and Landscape Designer Jill Hudock shares her enthusiasm for winter blooming Witchhazel.

Due to the weather forecast, the Year of the Dragon workshop for Saturday January 21 is now postponed until next Saturday, January 28 at 9:30 am. Any questions, please call us at 717-263-9226. Thank you!

Check out the Franklin County Master Gardener Blog to see the newest additions to the Plants with Winter Interest Series!

Pennsylvania's nearly 17 million acres of forest provide an array of values including clean air and water, recreation opportunities, wood products and habitat for thousands of plants and animals.

With all of the rain that we have had over the last several months, many homeowners have had to deal with an excess of stormwater. How clean is that stormwater that runs off of your property or off of your neighbors?

How did mistletoe become a benign symbol of love and greeting, associated with the holiday season? Dr. Leonard P. Perry, Extension Professor at the University of Vermont provides some possible answers.

Penn State Regional Horticulture Educator Steve Bogash offers the latest information from his Tomato Trials

2010 was the year of the brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB). Stinkbug related calls to the Franklin County Extension office support desk were far and away the number one subject in 2010.

Mary Ann Ryan, Penn State Extension Consumer Horticulture Educator for Adams County offers tips for selecting and growing indoor houseplants.

Homeowners often become concerned about their houseplants this time of year because they look unthrifty and may even shed leaves.

The heavy wet snow we experienced in October damaged many trees. Maples, sweetgums, sycamores and other trees that had not yet dropped their leaves were hit particularly hard.

Fall management of leaves in the home landscape has been an evolving issue. Thick layers of leaves left alone on our lawns can damage the turf, by blocking out needed sunlight.

November is a good time to dig and store summer “tender bulbs” like dahlias, cannas, and gladioli. Because of their tender nature these plants require special attention, but if given the special treatment they require, they will reward you with blooms for years.