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Articles written by Mark Amara


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  • New Master Gardeners sought

    Mark Amara, WSU Grant-Adams Master Gardener|Updated Jun 2, 2022

    Ever thought about becoming a Master Gardener Volunteer? Approximately every other year, classes are held to train new volunteers. The training is offered through Washington State University (WSU), with instruction held here in Grant County and is organized by our own veteran master gardeners. The next scheduled weekly classes start this fall assuming we get enough applicants. It would be great if interested individuals would apply for this unique opportunity before the August 1 deadline. The program is structured with...

  • Fall fertilize for healthier lawn

    Mark Amara, WSU Grant-Adams Master Gardener|Updated Oct 15, 2021

    Here in Eastern Washington, there are optimal times to apply nutrients to help keep the lawn healthy and vigorous. Washington State University recommends considering fertilizer applications four times per year, May 1, June 15, Sept. 1, and Nov. 1-15 after the last mowing and before the ground freezes. When nitrogen is applied in the fall, avoid early spring applications until after April 1 unless nitrogen deficiency is apparent. Better root growth and vigor are encouraged and...

  • Get to know your garden soils better

    Mark Amara, WSU Grant-Adams Master Gardener|Updated Mar 16, 2021

    Getting to know the soils in the yard or garden can provide insights into what their physical and chemical makeup is in terms of texture, color and organic content, depth, water holding capacity, and structure. Figuring out and knowing soil types can help us determine what they are capable of growing or are best suited for, how they should be managed to remain sustainable, and what their limitations are to name a few properties. Identifying soil types is a first step to...

  • Workshop: Home Horticultural Training 2021

    Mark Amara, WSU Grant-Adams Master Gardener|Updated Oct 1, 2020

    ADAMS COUNTY – Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, training for gardeners in the Grant-Adams Counties service areas has come to a standstill. The WSU Grant-Adams Master Gardeners have not offered workshops or classes for adults and youth, and plant clinics have not been going on at farmers markets or other venues. And, the annual gardening symposium which has been gaining in popularity since it began 5 years ago, had to be cancelled. These functions have become impossible because of the logistics of physical distancing, social e...

  • Get your gardening questions answered, master program

    Mark Amara, WSU Grant-Adams Master Gardener|Updated Aug 18, 2020

    GRANT-ADAMS COUNTY – With the current emphasis on staying at or close to home with the conditions associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, gardening has become a more popular activity for individuals and families. The Washington State University Master Gardeners are eager to help. There are lots of publications and services available. Master Gardeners have been providing public outreach in Washington state for almost 50 years. Washington State University Cooperative Extension s...