Mid-March to early April, just before growth begins, is the best time to prune fruit trees. At this time, winter damage to fresh cuts is reduced and sealing of cut surfaces by the tree itself is ...

CORVALLIS – Just when you’re ready for a long winter’s nap, it’s time to tend your fruit trees. If you don’t, chances are they’ll struggle in the coming season. Giving them attention now helps ward ...

When is the best time, or what is the best temperature, to apply dormant sprays to my apple tree? - Gale, Racine. Dormant oil sprays must be applied before the leaves start to emerge, which means you ...

CORVALLIS — From newly minted gardeners to avid urban farmers, everyone with a patch of land wants to grow an apple tree. Other fruits — pears, cherries, figs, plums — are desirable, too, but there’s ...

Evergreens with at least some shelter from winter winds will usually suffer less winter desiccation damage. A thick layer of bark nuggets, or some other mulch, will conserve moisture and insulate the ...

The chill in the air reminds gardeners that it’s time to start winter chores. Spraying of dormant oils on deciduous fruit and nut trees, roses and other ornamentals can diminish the incidence of ...