Digger magazine

Written to make you a nursery industry expert.

Handbooks deal with insects, diseases and weeds (oh my)

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Oregon State University has published three new handbooks, aimed at gardeners, which provide the latest ways of dealing with insect pests, weeds, and plant diseases. There are print editions that can be purchased from bookstores, from an online store, or by calling the OSU Extension and Experiment Station Communications at 800-561-6719. There are also online […]

Customs agents confiscate plants smuggled into U.S. in a diaper

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The woman who apparently thought that U.S. Customs agents at the Mexican border would never check the contents of a diaper, thought wrong. After the woman declared that she had no plants with her, the agents searched her vehicle and, underneath the seat, found a diaper containing 10 agave plants. For those concerned about invasive […]

Rainy weather can weigh heavily on freight costs

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For the last several days, Oregon has been experiencing a barrage of wind and rain. For the nursery grower, heavy springtime rain often is considered a blessing. More moisture from the sky means reduced irrigation costs and more gorgeous-looking plants. For the retail garden center, a rainy spring is normally considered a curse. When the […]

Another spotted wing drosophila meeting planned

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We just received the following announcement from Oregon State University: On Tuesday, March 30, 2010, 1-5 p.m., Oregon State University will host a meeting to provide the latest information available on the Spotted Wing Drosophila pest which is threatening many fruits grown in California and the Pacific Northwest. The meeting will be held at the […]

Oregon, California growers sue to reopen South Carolina plant market

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Nurseries can’t afford to let disease spread. They take seriously the threat of Phytophthora ramorum, commonly known as sudden oak death – and so does the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). For several years, APHIS has had rules in effect to protect ecosystems and plant material. Nurseries in Oregon and California have […]

OAN secretary featured in lunchtime panel on workforce issues

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There will be a luncheon on “Regional Competitiveness and Latino Integration: Developing Our Workforce,” from noon-2 p.m. next Friday, March 12, at the World Trade Center, 121 S.W. Salmon Street, Portland, Ore. (Directions.) Keynote speakers will include Oregon Speaker of the House Dave Hunt and Portland mayor Sam Adams. Additionally, OAN secretary Gary Furr of […]

Energy audit program available through OSU

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There’s no question about it. Any form of agriculture, including the production of nursery stock, requires energy. And, energy costs money. Some may see that as a burden, which it is, but here’s a chance to see it as an opportunity. This spring, Oregon State University Energy Efficiency Center is offering rural energy audits, thanks […]

Berry-producing plants headline the March issue of Digger

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The baseball preseason has begun, spring is almost officially here, and best of all, the March issue of Digger has arrived! This month’s main plant feature (PDF) is on berry producing plants, which add beauty and encourage wildlife. We also have an article on “Defending your ground” (PDF) – meaning, the smart use of cover […]

Growers urged to respond to USDA surveys

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Officials with the USDA National Agricultural Statistical Service (NASS), Oregon Field Office, are busy collecting responses to two important nursery surveys: the once-every-decade 2010 Census of Horticultural Specialties (incorporating the annual Commercial Floriculture Survey), and the every-three-years Nursery and Floriculture Chemical Use survey. According to Bruce Eklund, deputy director of the NASS Oregon Field Office, […]