Master Gardeners of Venango County

Penn State Extension Master Gardeners in Venango County are available to answer questions on trees and shrubs,  annuals and perennials, fruits and vegetables, soils and…

The need to bring nature indoors in winter is universal. As far back as archeological records go, there is evidence of man decorating his domicile…

By REBECCA JOY STANBOROUGH, MFA – Medically reviewed by DEBORAH WEATHERSPOON, Ph.D., R.N., CRNA Indoor gardening is still enjoying a surge in popularity, fed by Instagram’s…

A blooming amaryllis can add sparkle to holiday decorations and cheer during the short days and long nights of winter. The amaryllis, in the genus…

“Winter sown seedlings grow into healthy,sturdy plants. Plants will be ready to thrive in the garden when spring arrives.” – Trudy Davidoff, Creator of the…

Now is the time to plan and prepare for a bit of spring sunshine on dreary winter days. The term forcing refers to inducing a…

The COVID-19 pandemic is forcing many to stay home and avoid social activities. Besides the fear of infection, psychologists are observing a negative impact on…

By Susan Martin – Piedmont Master Gardeners At this time of year, starting an indoor herb garden is an inspiring idea. Add a handful of…

By BETHANY HAYES Waiting for spring to arrive feels like torture for those of us who can’t garden year-round. In my opinion, the next best…

Have you ever kept a Garden Journal? A garden journal can be whatever you want it to be. It’s a notebook or binder where you…

The green buds that emerge with the first warm days of April cannot help but inspire winter-weary gardeners, so it’s no wonder that spring is…

In climates with four distinct seasons, common sense would suggest that most planting should be done in spring, at the beginning of the warm season….

You can grow figs in Pennsylvania if you take steps to protect them from the harshest winter temperatures. There’s nothing like a fresh fig! Despite…

A gardener has many choices when it comes to mulch. This article covers the pros and cons of various types of organic, non-organic, and living…

For longtime gardeners, saving seeds from their plants may be a family tradition. For new gardeners, it may only be a matter of time until…

As the beautiful Pennsylvania landscape takes on its legendary colors and the unwelcome first frost arrives, home gardeners often have questions about fall tasks. Here…

For a beautiful spring display, you should plan to plant bulbs in the fall. Find out how to select, plant, and care for bulbs in…

This article explains what native plants are, their benefits, and where to acquire them. It also includes tips on how to use native plants in…

Saving seeds at the end of the gardening season is economical and can ensure access to your favorite plant varieties. Here are steps to help…

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…

Basic steps you can take to make your garden a safe haven for beneficial wildlife. When I planned my flower and vegetable gardens, I envisioned…

With recent efforts to combat invasive plants in woodlands, Penn State Extension has released new resources to help with identification and control. A total of…

Developing a landscape plan can seem like a daunting task. So many things to think about. Whether it is new construction or renovating an existing…

Do you have an interest in gardening, a willingness to learn more about horticulture, and a strong desire to educate the community? The Penn State…

Water-efficient gardening includes seven basic principles that are easy to employ while they increase the value of your home, plus save you time, water and…

Birds can be found everywhere – parks, lakes, forests, cities, even your own backyard; however, birds are finding our homes less and less appealing. The…

The dog days of summer can be tough on your vegetables. Even heat-loving plants like tomatoes and peppers might need a little extra care during…

One of the most important ways you can help pollinators is by provisioning your yard with plants that provide pollen and nectar. To attract butterflies,…

Here are some helpful hints on ways to make your garden a pet safe and beautiful space. After 22 years in the military, it is…

This plant list provides a good starting point to help you become familiar with some native plants that are good for rain gardens. Most of…

Rain gardens are a simple and resourceful way to use the stormwater from your gutters productively as a garden. In its most simple design, a…

The deer population in Pennsylvania is on the rise. And as land development increases, deer are frequently found in areas densely populated by humans. Deer…

Venango County Master Gardener Volunteers are available to answer gardening-related questions through this Blog site , Facebook at “Venango County Master Gardeners,” email at venangomg@psu.edu,…

Imagine sharing your yard with thousands of teenaged periodical cicadas! These fascinating insects have been harmlessly feeding on tree roots for the past seventeen years….

Powdery mildew occurs on many different flowers, woody ornamentals and trees. Several different genera of fungi cause powdery mildew. Although usually one genus specifically attacks…

Approximately three-quarters of our major food crops are pollinated. Here we will look at how wild bees provide insurance against ongoing honey bee losses. Honeybees…

Constructing a container garden isn’t about doing everything perfectly. In fact, there is no right way to create a container garden. It is more about…

As people are forced to spend more time at home and existing concerns about the food supply chain grow, it is natural for homeowners to…

Gardens can be beautiful and provide beneficial edibles in the same space. Learn the philosophy behind edible landscaping and specific suggestions of how to incorporate…

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

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

In the United States, over 24 million acres of lawn surround our homes. As suburban development continues to spread into open and forested land alike,…

The Master Gardeners of Venango County held their monthly meeting on Tuesday, May 4. The speakers were Rachel Luther, a nutritionist who spoke about the…

Learn how to create new garden beds without removing current vegetation and digging up the soil. The amount of work usually associated with creating a…

As spring temperatures warm up, many of us begin to think about yardwork and greening up that dormant winter lawn. Before you venture out to…

When you are thinking about spring projects, consider some tips to enhance water quality and manage stormwater. Spring has just arrived, which means thousands of…

The following suggestions will help you to successfully plant fruit trees. Time of planting: Dormant fruit trees can be planted in the spring as soon…

Congratulations to our six Master Gardener graduates who successfully completed the forty-hour Penn State Extension Master Gardener Educational Program on March 4, 2021. The graduates…

Plant rhubarb in spring or early fall, then be patient. Once established, rhubarb will provide a harvest for many years and is an attractive addition…

When considering starting your plants from seed, it is useful to know what information is found on the seed packet. When deciding what to plant…