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Lincoln County Master Gardener™ Association

Blog

Welcome to the South Beach Garden (KYAQ Audio)

In this edition of the Lincoln County Gardner, host Ross McCann talks with Master Gardener Joan Crall, Co-Lead at the OSU Demonstration Garden in South Beach. You'll learn about the garden, its exhibits and the many events to be held in 2026.

The raised bed of garlic at the South Beach Demonstration Garden. All images by garden Co-Lead Steve Vogel, with permission.
Rock Garden Exhibit

Grow Your Own (KYAQ Audio)

In this edition of the Lincoln County Gardner, guest host Larry King talks with Master Gardeners Kathy Burke and Terry DeJongh about a series of classes the the Lincoln County Master Gardeners are presenting to help everyone grow vegetables at home..

During the series you'll go from seed selection all the way through the growing season. Featured image by Joe Kline, by permission. Lettuce planting Image by Wolfgang Eckert from Pixabay.

Rock Gardens (KYAQ Audio)

In this edition of the Lincoln County Gardner, Ross McCann talks with Master Gardener Larry King about rock gardens. Learn about the many types of rock gardens and the basics of construction and plant selection.

Here's a photo of the refurbished rock garden in the South Beach OSU demonstration garden. Note the rocks (underpinned by cement blocks) to give height and interest in the background. All photos by Larry King and used with permission.
The view from the other side shows how we incorporated some of the existing native plants: Seaside Daises (Erigeron glaucus left, lower) and Oregon Iris (Iris Tenax left, upper). In the center of the picture, with small yellow flowers is Lavender Cotton (Santolina chamaecyparissus). It soon took over the end of the rock garden and needed regular pruning to keep it in check.

Using a Greenhouse (KYAQ Audio)

In this edition of the Lincoln County Gardner, guest host Larry King talks with Master Gardener Tom Green about how he uses his new greenhouse. They share tips and tricks for growing vegetables in the greenhouse environment.

Here are some samples of plants growing in Larry King's hoop-house style greenhouse (photos courtesy of Larry King). Featured image of tomato starts, also by Larry King.
It's a big raised bed, but 3 zuchini plants will fill up this space in no time. Note the drip lines. They are on a timer that will provide just the right amount of water with no waste.
These determinate tomatoes got 6 feet tall even before they started setting fruit. Things can get big and tall in a greenhouse. Plan accordingly.
Even tender warm-weather plants like basil can be started in an unheated greenhouse. Visible beneath the planting tray is a thermostat-controlled heating mat to ensure the soil stays warm. These were grown for the Lincoln County Master Gardner Plant Sale (held in May every year).
Of course, your greenhouse is not limited to vegetables. They're a great place to overwinter succulents and wonderful for starting your hanging baskets and annual garden flowers early.

Building a Greenhouse (KYAQ Audio)

In this edition of the Lincoln County Gardner, guest host Larry King talks with Master Gardener Tom Green about building a greenhouse to extend the growing season here in Lincoln County.

Tom Green's Greenhouse from foundation to finished product. Photos courtesy of Tom Green.
Larry King's greenhouse, illustrating the hoop-house style of construction (image provided by Larry King).

Houseplant Maintenance (KYAQ Audio)

In this edition of the Lincoln County Gardner, guest host Larry King talks with Master Gardener Ross McCann about seasonal houseplant maintenance. Ross shares the best time of year and techniques for repotting, pruning and fertilizing as well as tips for watering.

Pruning a pothos plant (Epipremnum aureum) will cause the plant to get bushier and the cuttings can be rooted in water to create additional plants. Photo by Sasha Kim of Pexels.

Featured image of repotting by Karola G from Pexels.

Houseplant Pests (KYAQ Audio)

In this edition of the Lincoln County Gardner, guest host Larry King talks with Master Gardener Ross McCann about common houseplant pests. Ross shares his personal experience in identifying houseplant pests and how to manage them.

Two-Spotted Spider Mites (Tetranychus urticae) under magnification. There are 5 different species of mites that are present in the Pacific Northwest. They are very similar and are managed using the same methods.

Western Flower Thrip image courtesy of Washington State University. Mite Image courtesy of Washington State University. Featured image of Apple Mealybugs (Phenacoccus aceris) courtesy of Washington State University.
Adult form of Western Flower Thrip (Frankliniella occidentalis).

African Violets (KYAQ Audio)

In this edition of the Lincoln County Gardner, host Ross Mathews talks with Master Gardener Marlene Shapiro about African violets (Streptocarpus ionanthus). African violets are some of the longest blooming of houseplants. Once you know what they like, they are easy to grow.

Triple-petal form of African violet; Image by zbfj from Pixabay. Featured image by Eftodii Aurelia from Pexels.com

Pets and Houseplants (KYAQ Audio)

In this edition of the Lincoln County Gardner, guest host Larry King talks with Master Gardener Ross McCann about pets and houseplants. This is especially helpful during the holiday season, as we often bring extra plants and greens into the home—unaware of their toxicity. Ross mentions the ASPCA research into pet-poisonous plants. Here's a link to their site where you can look up specific plants and pets that do not mix.

Poinsettia, Mistletoe and Holly—all decorating favorites. All are toxic to pets. Mistletoe Image by Hans from Pixabay. Holly image by Elsemargriet from Pixabay Featured image of cat and poinsettia by Helena Jankovičová Kováčová from Pixabay

Mycorrhizal Networks (KYAQ Audio)

In this edition of the Lincoln County Gardner, Ross McCann talks with Master Gardener Herb Fredricksen about fungi and their part in creating Mycorrhizal Networks. You'll even get a history lesson on how fungi and plants evolved.

Herb's fun fact: Scientists say their DNA tests prove that a single Armillaria organism covers nearly 3 1/2 square miles under the Malheur National Forest. Image by Todd Sonflieth of Oregon Public Broadcasting. Featured image of Mycorrhizal Fungi courtesy of University of New Hampshire Extension Services.