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.
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
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
Key to crop production and creating a diverse environment, pollinators are also entertaining to watch in the home garden.
Blueberries
Interested in growing blueberries? Soil acidity, location and plant selection are key to success in area.
Garden Open House
Three garden open house on Saturday, June 28 offers a great opportunity to learn A-Z about gardening in our area.
Become a Master Gardener
Considering becoming a master gardener, or have a friend thinking about it? Master Gardener Kari Ranten outlines her top ten reasons, and why she values the program.
Pet-Friendly Gardening
Both pets and gardening require planning, patience, and a healthy dose of reality—learning methods to avoid pitfalls and lead to a happy coexistence between plants and pets.
Dealing with Wet Spots
Discover how to transform soggy spots in your landscape into thriving, beautiful spaces. Learn the secrets of selecting plants for wet areas!
Plant Fair 2025
The 2025 Skagit County Master Gardener Plant Fair is scheduled for Saturday, May 10.
Preventing Food Waste
Reducing food waste is a step-by-step process. It can be fun learning about the delicious ways you can get more out of your food budget.
Pruning Hydrangeas
Master gardeners explain the types of hydrangeas and when to prune them.
Ask a Master Gardener Climate Change Flowers Nearby Nature Nearby Nature Ornamental Gardening Plant Biodiversity
Rhododendrons
Warmer Summers Impact Local Rhododendrons From sun scorch to lace bug, local gardeners protect their beloved rhododendrons with these conscientious tips. Subscribe to the Blog > By Sonja Nelson,...
Ask a Master Gardener Invasive Plants Nearby Nature Nearby Nature Ornamental Gardening Plant Biodiversity
Bamboo: Is it for your garden?
Is Bamboo for Your Garden? If you love bamboo, be a good neighbor and understand how to select, grow, and maintain the plant. Subscribe to the Blog > By...
Garden Tours
Creating and appreciating a garden is a dynamic, creative process that benefits from inspiration. Gardeners in the Pacific Northwest are fortunate to have access to many garden styles and a...
Hummingbirds
Our resident Anna’s and migrating Rufous hummingbirds are an important part of our ecosystem helping control insects are great pollinators.
Vegetable Seed Selection
Use this guide to make strategic selections when choosing vegetable seeds for planting your 2025 garden.
The Winter Garden
This winter, look at your garden's potential and where you can contribute to its winter beauty by adding a tree, shrub, or grasses.
Gift Ideas
Gardeners are fortunate to have an abundance of great titles on the market, including some new volumes, some old favorites, and many offerings specific to growing in the Pacific Northwest.
Tool Maintenance
The last job of the gardening season is tool clean-up. Master Gardener Kathy Wolfe covers the reasons why and how to make quick work of garden tool maintenance.
Holiday Floral Arrangements
Creating floral arrangements with foraged natural materials is a rewarding way to bring seasonal cheer into your home.
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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