The Ask a Master Gardener blog features a wide range of articles written by Skagit County WSU Extension Master Gardeners on topics relevant to gardeners in the North Puget Sound area.

Bulbs, corms, rhizomes, and tubers
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Bulbs, corms, rhizomes, and tubers

Geophytes which include bulbs, corms, rhizomes, and tubers are, depending on your area, perennial plants with underground storage containers. Northwest Washington is known for commercial and native varieties, with proper...
Libraries: A Gardener’s Resource
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Libraries: A Gardener’s Resource

Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or planting your first seeds, your local library is ready to support your journey.
Growing Potatoes
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Growing Potatoes

Grow disease-free potatoes using these tips from WSU's Northwestern Washington Research and Extension Center.
Noxious Weeds in Skagit County
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Noxious Weeds in Skagit County

Help prevent the spread of noxious (aka invasive) weeds with proper identification and eradication.
Rain Barrels
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Rain Barrels

Rain barrels offer an affordable, practical way to collect and use rainwater for gardening. Proper installation, maintenance, and safety precautions are essential.
Garden Tours 2.0
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Garden Tours 2.0

Whether you are planning a trip, or are an armchair traveler, go with fellow master gardeners as they visit various gardens located in the US and Canada.
Hellebores
Ask a Master Gardener Flowers Ornamental Gardening Plant Biodiversity

Hellebores

Hellebores are hardy, deer-resistant perennials that bloom in winter, offering vibrant color in shades from white to nearly black. They thrive in shade, require little maintenance, and resist most pests.
Phenology
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Phenology

Nature’s harbingers – understanding phenology can help gardeners take nature’s cues to assist with garden activities.
Tools for Gardeners
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Tools for Gardeners

The holidays are perfect for gifting gardeners tools and gadgets tailored to their interests, from seed starting supplies and pruning tools to maintenance aids, enhancing their gardening experience.
Greenhouses
Ask a Master Gardener Flowers Local Food Ornamental Gardening Plant Biodiversity Soil Health

Greenhouses

As winter approaches, gardeners dream of options to extend the growing season. Key decisions involve what to grow, usage, design, materials, and whether to start seeds or protect delicate plants...
Artistic Composting
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Artistic Composting

Master Gardener Herta Kurp introduces a creative approach to building compost structures in the home garden. These structures are hard working solutions to the garden waste stream.
Conifers in the Homescape
Ask a Master Gardener Nearby Nature Ornamental Gardening Plant Biodiversity

Conifers in the Homescape

Whether used as hedges, focal points, or ground covers, conifers will provide lasting beauty and functionality to your outdoor space.
Winter Prep Checklist
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Winter Prep Checklist

Master Gardener Diana Wisen has prepared a fall garden prep list
Cut Flower Garden
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Cut Flower Garden

Master Gardener Karen Bruce discusses the joys and considerations of starting a cut flower garden, highlighting the importance of planning, choosing annuals and perennials, and ensuring success from spring through...
Growing Garlic
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Growing Garlic

Master Gardener Laura Kuhn shares valuable tips for planning and planting a successful garlic crop this fall.
Integrated Pest Management
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Integrated Pest Management

Discover the essentials of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and learn how to create a thriving garden while reducing pesticide use. Transform your gardening approach with these sustainable practices today!
The Importance of Trees
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The Importance of Trees

Trees provide numerous benefits, including reducing stress, purifying air, combating climate change, managing water runoff, supporting wildlife, and enhancing comfort through shade and noise control. They are essential for our...
Attracting Pollinators
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Attracting Pollinators

Key to crop production and creating a diverse environment, pollinators are also entertaining to watch in the home garden.
Blueberries
Ask a Master Gardener Local Food Soil Health

Blueberries

Interested in growing blueberries? Soil acidity, location and plant selection are key to success in area.
Garden Open House
Ask a Master Gardener Clean Water Nearby Nature Pollinators Water Conservation

Garden Open House

Three garden open house on Saturday, June 28 offers a great opportunity to learn A-Z about gardening in our area.
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Interested in digging deeper into the archive of Ask a Master Gardener articles on a wide range of local gardening topics?  Check out the archives.

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