Master Gardeners of Venango County

This article discuses types of lettuce and other greens, such as kale and chard, that should be planted in early spring.   Early spring is…

This article unscrambles the sometimes-confusing common names of peas and gives instructions for how to grow this popular cool-season vegetable. Introduction Peas (Pisum sativum) are…

Traditional beliefs about gardening can sometimes do more harm than good.  Learn what research has to say about some popular garden myths. With winter slowly…

Generally, fruit trees are pruned to develop a desired tree shape, to improve fruit quality, and to improve air circulation within the tree, which will…

Rotating crops in your garden is essential to prevent pests, diseases, and nutrient depletion, ensuring healthier plants and better harvests.   Updated: January 27, 2025…

Pruning controls the crop load, thus increasing fruit quality.  It also invigorates the plant, forcing essential new growth from the base of the plant.  …

Learn how and when to protect different types of roses from the cold and wind of Pennsylvania’s harsh winters.   Why Roses? Roses (Rosa spp.)…

Many annual and perennial seeds require a cold period to germinate.  You can provide a controlled cold environment for seedlings with these instructions.   What…

Introduction Gardeners can grow most annuals, biennials, and many herbaceous perennials from seed. Sowing seed is less expensive than buying established plants and requires little…

This article gives advice for prolonging the life and blooms of two popular winter holiday houseplants.   In order to care for indoor winter holiday…

This article discusses how to choose the perfect Christmas tree and keep it fresh.   There is no right or wrong species when it comes…

In this article, you will find information that will allow you to maximize your garden space and yield by employing a few simple strategies—interplanting, relay…

This article gives advice for prolonging the life and blooms of two popular winter holiday houseplants.   In order to care for indoor winter holiday…

Carry your garden designs, especially container gardens, throughout the entire year with outdoor winter arrangements.   We welcome spring with pots of tulips (Tulipa spp.)…

Keeping a garden journal can be a valuable tool to help both novice and experienced gardeners meet their goals.   A garden journal provides a…

Some gardening rules are myths: misconceptions passed down through the ages.  This article takes a look at the real truth behind some common, but misguided,…

Indoor gardening activities can help children learn basic plant science while having fun.  When winter seems far from over and the days are still too…

Winter is the perfect time to reflect on the successes and disappointments of last year’s garden.   In the lull after the holidays, stop and…

This article discusses the beneficial pollinators that overwinter in the garden and best practices for providing habitat for them.  As the days get shorter and…

  Use judicious pruning to renovate older fruit trees in your home landscape.   Many people move to new homes where the previous owners had…

Compost can be used in potting mixes or mixed in with garden soil. It has many benefits for your plants and recycles materials that may…

As you shop for plants and seeds, understanding plant terminology will help you make better choices.  This article explains some of the more common terms…

Potatoes and Sweet Potatoes   Canning New White Potatoes   IMPORTANT: Safe canning recipes have only been developed for whole or sliced potatoes. Do not…

This article answers questions many gardeners have about how to prepare their garden for winter. As the beautiful Pennsylvania landscape takes on its legendary colors…

Though not as commonly grown as white potatoes, sweet potatoes are easy to grow in much of Pennsylvania.  Why not give growing sweet potatoes a…

You can delay your garden harvest of some root crops and greens until after a frost and still have a bountiful harvest.  As fall begins,…

Asparagus is a long-lived, perennial vegetable. Find out how to get an asparagus bed established in your home garden. If you desire to have an…

Knowing when your onions are ready for harvest and how to prepare them for storage are important steps toward having a successful crop. A common…

Root vegetables must be processed in a pressure canner.  They cannot be safely canned in a boiling water bath or atmospheric steam canner.  Caution: Root…

Learn ways to reduce challenges in the garden and adapt to gardening as you age gracefully.   The physical benefits of working in the garden…

Japanese beetles are not picky about the flowers and leaves they attack. They have favorites like roses and grapes, but many problems begin when the…

Consider planting a cover crop in late summer or fall to improve your vegetable garden soil.  This article describes their benefits and types of crops…

A Step-By-Step Guide for Growing Microgreens at Home A healthy lifestyle includes regular physical activity and a healthy diet.   Due to increasing costs, going to…

This article is an overview of growing and using garlic, including six recipes.   Many excellent varieties of garlic (Allium sativum) may be grown in…

April showers bring May flowers and an abundance of gardening information! Everywhere you turn, new techniques, tips, and tricks offer advice to help with the…

Tomatoes are probably the #1 container vegetable that interests gardeners after herbs. Based on our trials programs in 2008 and 2009, there are some excellent…

Strawberries are the ideal fruit crop for growers with very limited space. The plants are low growing perennials and provide a delicious supply of fruit…

Proper planting and aftercare techniques will ensure the success of new trees. Longer days, warmer temperatures, and buds breaking are sure signs of the arrival…

Slugs feed on flowers, vegetables and ornamentals, and are especially injurious to seedlings. Moreover, they get into cellars, on walks, and similar places around the…

This article discuses types of lettuce and other greens, such as kale and chard, that should be planted in early spring. Early spring is the…