Gardening in Central Washington
Gardening in the arid hot summer climate along the Columbia River in Central Washington creates challenges to the plants that find their homes here. Just as a Florida resident might find it shocking to move to a frigid winter, a tropical plant accustomed to humidity and shade will balk at summers in the arid, hot and sunny conditions of Chelan and Douglas County. That's why we take care to choose plants that don't have to wonder where they'll get their next drink or when their transport will arrive to take them south in the winter.
Demonstration Garden
Learn about plants that love the growing conditions here. Read about them online, and visit them in the Demonstration Garden to follow their growth progress from first leaf through summer bloom to fall color.
Gardens Love Compost
Most Master Gardeners compost. Its a simple technique that turns organic matter into a rich soil conditioner. When you do it yourself with your own garden and lawn clippings, its free. Read more about the benefits of composting.
Common Garden Pests
Gardeners love to visit beautiful flower and vegetable gardens, trees and shrubs. So do some unwelcome visitors. They eat our beautiful flowers and leaves, suck essential juices, and gnaw into stems, and bore into bark. There are smart ways to safely manage pests. Its also wise to know which insects are beneficial to our gardens and friends we should encourage to populate it. Read more about garden pests and garden friends.
Water-Wise Yards & Gardens
The average annual rainfall in our area of North Central Washington is 9 inches. This arid climate creates challenges for planning and maintaining gardens and yards. Using water wisely and creating yards that require less water and are low maintenance is not only possible but recommended.
Read more about resources on the Internet on xeriscape planning and plants on our Gardening Links page.
Successful Planting
WSU has evaulated planting techniques that promote healthy mature plants. It recommends using native soils and removing the material the plant is purchased in. Read more about this.
