Marion County Master Gardener Association
Who We Are
The Marion County Master Gardeners Association is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping home gardeners in Marion County learn about the science, art and joy of gardening. MCMGA is part of the state-wide Master Gardener program administered by Oregon State University Extension and supports the mission and objectives of the Master Gardener Program.
What We Do
MCMGA provides a variety of education and outreach programs. These programs are delivered by Marion County Master Gardeners – experienced volunteers from your community who are trained and certified in sustainable research-based gardening techniques by OSU professors and other experts. Special programs include:
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How We Help
Master Gardeners contribute to the gardening community by providing reliable relevant information for home gardeners. Master Gardeners teach, advise, listen, diagnose, experiment, learn, demonstrate and connect gardeners of all ages with the information they need. We enjoy gardening, learning about gardening and sharing experiences with others. We’ll do our best to answer your question immediately. However, sometimes we need to take more time to research your issue, or to consult with Neil Bell, our Marion County Horticulturist or other OSU experts. We may also recommend another agency or organization for you to contact. Our goal is for you to have the best answer possible.
Where to Find Us
You can find Marion County Master Gardener volunteers at the Marion County OSU Extension Office Help Desk, at local and community garden events, in the Demonstration Garden, at MCMGA events, and on the web and facebook. See the Contact Us page for location addresses, phone numbers and email address
This Month’s Tips
- Prepare and prime irrigation system for summer.
- Use a soil thermometer to help you know when to plant vegetables. Wait until the soil is consistently above 70 degrees Fahrenheit to plant tomatoes, squash, melons, peppers and eggplant.
- If needed, fertilize rhododendrons and azaleas with acid-type fertilizer. If established and healthy, their nutrient needs should be minimal. Remove spent blossoms.
- Plant dahlias, gladioli, and tuberous begonias in mid-May.
- Plant chrysanthemums for fall color.
- If an unknown plant problem occurs, contact your local Master Gardener hotline or plant clinic, for identification and future management options.
- Leaf rolling worms may affect apples and blueberries. Prune off and destroy affected leaves.
- Monitor aphids on strawberries and ornamentals. If present, control options include washing off with water, hand removal, or using registered insecticides labeled for the problem plant. Read and follow all label directions prior to using insecticides. Promoting natural enemies (predators and parasitoids that eat or kill insects) is a longer-term solution for insect control in gardens.
- Spittle bugs may appear on ornamental plants as foam on stems. In most cases, they don’t require management. If desired, wash off with water or use insecticidal soap as a contact spray. Read and follow label directions when using insecticides, including insecticidal soap.
- Monitor rhododendrons, azaleas, primroses and other broadleaf ornamentals for adult root weevils. Look for fresh evidence of feeding (notching at leaf edges). Try sticky trap products on plant trunks to trap adult weevils. Protect against damaging the bark by
- Control slugs with bait or traps and by removing or mowing vegetation near garden plots.
- Monitor blueberry, raspberry, strawberry and other plants that produce soft fruits and berries for Spotted Wing Drosophila (SWD). Learn how to monitor for SWD flies and larval infestation
Marion County Master Gardener Office Plant Clinic
1320 Capitol St NE Suite 110
Salem OR 97301 Open Google Map
Help Desk Hours
September – December, 9-1 Monday-Friday
Phone: 503-373-3770
Email: marionmg@oregonstate.edu
Marion Demonstration Garden
3180 Center St NE
Salem OR 97301 Open Google Map
(behind the Marion County Health & Services Bldg)
“Salem For All!” consists of a group of interested citizens and a coalition of participating organizations in the community of Salem.
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