October 12, 2026
Fall is here. That means milder temperatures and an opportunity to tackle projects in the garden, like tree planting. Adding a tree to your garden is perhaps the most significant thing you can do to add beauty, environmental benefits, and value to your property.
September 18, 2026
September 18, 2026
Fall is a great time to plan, prepare and plant a new garden space. Although the air temperatures begin to drop, the soil temperatures continue to stay warm for a bit longer. This allows plants’ roots to become established and because of the shorter days and cooler air temperatures, the top growth of the plants slows down. The perfect combination for new plants.
August 14, 2026
Until recently completing the Master Gardener program, I never really thought about weeds.
July 31, 2026
Gardeners and non-gardeners alike reach August and tire of the chores that need to be done in the garden. For a gardener, August is often a time to reflect on the garden, and, of course, continue the chores, like weeding and watering.
July 28, 2026
Every good gardener must be open to new ideas, especially those backed by scientific research. Instead of making all your compost in designated bins, there is a new method called Chop and Drop.
July 20, 2026
Ticks are becoming an increasingly visible concern in Pennsylvania. This article introduces how to identify common ticks, understand their life cycles and distribution, recognize tick‑borne diseases, and take practical steps to prevent bites.
July 10, 2026
The Pennsylvania German kitchen garden was a practical garden located close to the house and consisted of raised beds enclosed with wooden fencing.
June 23, 2026
When it comes to gardening, our days of super sizing are officially over.
June 23, 2026
Summer gardening requires regular maintenance to keep plants healthy and productive.
May 29, 2026
A native plant is one that occurs naturally in an ecosystem and has evolved alongside other native species in that ecosystem.
May 21, 2026
"Insects are the little things that run the world, and if they disappear, life as we know it will change." – E.O. Wilson.
May 15, 2026
May 12, 2026
At its core, companion planting is the practice of growing different plants together so they can benefit one another.
May 7, 2026
May is the month for planting and gardening.
May 7, 2026
As May arrives, it brings with it a national reminder to focus on something often overlooked: mental health.
April 3, 2026
Master Gardener plant sales support educational programs and feature a variety of plants, shrubs, trees, or flowers chosen for local growing conditions. Check the list to find plant sales near you!
March 24, 2026
March 13, 2026
One day recently I was watering the houseplants in my home. Something unusual immediately caught my attention. There was a strange intruder growing in a flower pot with my Thanksgiving cactus (Schlumbergera truncata)!
February 27, 2026
In January I wrote about the potential to use a combination of keystone species and other native plants to create a more sustainable and functional ecosystem in your backyard.
February 17, 2026
The article traces how gardening evolved from chemical-dependent agriculture to more sustainable approaches like organic, ecological, permaculture, and regenerative gardening.
January 16, 2026
My guess is that when most people hear the term "holly," they picture a grouping of three pointy dark green leaves and a cluster of berries. However, hollies come in many shapes and sizes. Often we think of them as evergreens, meaning, they hold their leaves throughout the winter season. But this group of plants comes in many forms, from trees to shrubs, from evergreen to deciduous.
December 12, 2025
Now is the time to collect, store, stratify and even plant seeds for next spring so let’s discuss.
November 24, 2025
What do you know about choosing a Christmas tree? Tree selection becomes a bit easier if you know the difference between the tree types.
November 7, 2025
Halloween is upon us! While trick-or-treat is a Halloween tradition, so are pumpkins—from jack-o-lanterns to pumpkin-spice everything (including coffee)—and spooky movies.
October 14, 2025
Perhaps you have heard of focusing on native plants to re-establish wildlife habitats in our outdoor spaces, using ecological landscaping that complements and supports the local ecosystem instead of destroying it or working against it. But have you heard of being carbon conscious?
September 26, 2025
Things that can be done this fall before the first snowflake falls.
September 23, 2025
Volunteers weeded, pruned, and prepared the memorial grounds in Somerset County to welcome families and visitors ahead of the 24th annual remembrance on September 11
September 11, 2025
Incorporate proper sustainable gardening practices to save money and the environment.
August 29, 2025
This acronym "IPM" is often heard within the horticulture and agriculture industry, whether it is garden centers or farmers. But do we really understand what IPM is?
