Cowlitz County Master Gardeners

10/15/2026

Can planting and protecting trees help combat climate change? 🌎💚
In 🎧 Episode 83 of The Evergreen Thumb podcast, host Erin Hoover sits down with Tim Kohlhoff, WSU Extension Spokane County Master Gardener, to explore the incredible importance of urban tree canopies and their role in creating healthier, cooler, and more sustainable communities.

Listen in to learn more!

🌳🎙️ Sneak Peek Sunday! 🎙️🌳

Can planting and protecting trees help combat climate change? 🌎💚

In the upcoming episode of The Evergreen Thumb podcast, host Erin Hoover sits down with Tim Kohlhoff, WSU Extension Spokane County Master Gardener, to explore the incredible importance of urban tree canopies and their role in creating healthier, cooler, and more sustainable communities.

🌿 Discover how urban trees help reduce the urban heat island effect, provide valuable environmental benefits, and play an essential role in combating climate change.

From cooling our neighborhoods to improving environmental resilience, trees do so much more than provide shade! 🌳

🎧 Episode 83 releases Tuesday, October 13, 2026!

Join us for this fascinating conversation and discover why protecting and expanding our urban forests matters now more than ever.

🌱 Healthy Trees. Cooler Communities. A Greener Future.

10/15/2026

It's October! Have you planted your garlic yet?

New episode of The Evergreen Thumb is live! Episode 82: How to Grow Thriving Garlic in the Pacific Northwest

Host Erin Hoover covers hardneck vs. softneck varieties, site selection, planting timing, and spacing. She also walks through scape removal, when to stop watering before harvest, and how to cure garlic so it stores well through winter. Plus tips on avoiding common pests and diseases.

If you're planning to plant garlic this fall, this episode has the details you need.

🎧 Listen now on your favorite podcast app or on our website at https://buff.ly/1xHRcNc

09/28/2026

REGISTRATION CLOSING SOON
⏳ Last chance to register for the Washington Gardener Certificate course!
Registration closes September 30, and the course kicks off October 5.
🌿 Offered just once a year—don’t miss your opportunity to grow your skills and earn your Washington Gardener Certificate.
🔗 WA Green School | Washington State University https://greenschool.extension.wsu.edu/

09/21/2026

⏳ Time’s running out!
Registration closes September 30, and the course begins October 5.
🌿 Offered just once a year—don’t miss your chance to earn your Washington Gardener Certificate and grow your impact.

🔗 WA Green School | Washington State University https://greenschool.extension.wsu.edu/

09/18/2026

Tip of the Week:

Its HARVEST TIME!

We have put in the work and care into our gardens, although we enjoy produce fresh out of our gardens all summer, a lot of the harvest will come together about the same time due to how
long the growth to maturity time is for our seeds and our zone, and the most rewarding aspect of Gardening!

Here are a few tips to help you prepare and organize for your harvest:

Gather everything you need -

- Gloves to protect your hands from sap, thorns or rough surfaces
- Clippers to cut stems
- Containers – buckets, boxes, big bowls or crates
- Set up an area outside to go through your harvest before bringing inside

Harvest techniques -

- Use shears to snip stems on herbs and larger vegetables
- Gently twist peppers and tomatoes off the vine
- Snap beans and peas off the vine
- Pulling root vegetables is easier if you loosen the soil around them before pulling

Post – harvest care –

- Brush off dirt and rinse if you plan to eat it soon, moisture can hasten spoilage
- Store in appropriate conditions
- Dark, dry and cool for most root vegetables
- Refrigerate lettuces and berries

Preserve for later or Prepare and enjoy now!

09/17/2026

This is an interesting listen. So much goes on behind the scenes that most of us probably aren't even aware of!

🌿Sneak Peek Sunday!🎙

Coming up on Episode 81 of the Evergreen Thumb, host Erin Hoover talks with Dr. Sud Poojari, Director of the Clean Plant Center Northwest (CPCNW), about the science behind healthy vines and trees.

🔬CPCNW produces and distributes pathogen-tested, virus-free plant material, helping protect specialty crops and support healthier, more sustainable agriculture.

Dr. Poojari earned his PhD in Plant Pathology from WSU and brings years of research experience in plant diseases, molecular diagnostics, epidemiology, and clean plant programs.

🌿Episode 81 releases Tuesday September 15, 2026.

09/16/2026

Application deadline is TODAY, September 16th!
🌿 Love gardening? Love giving back? Join the WSU Extension Master Gardener Program and become part of a network of university-trained educators dedicated to environmental stewardship. Help create a greener, more resilient future! 🌱💡
✨
🗓️ Apply today, September 16th to be part of something meaningful. Applications for the 2026-2027 EMG Program in Cowlitz County received after September 16th may be considered if time and space allow.

Apply for EMG Program here: https://wsu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6M4Ia3PWxgya5ds

09/14/2026

📣 Only a few weeks left to register!
Green School begins October 5, and registration closes September 30.
🎓 Earn your Washington Gardener Certificate
🌍 Build skills that make a difference
🔗 WA Green School | Washington State University https://greenschool.extension.wsu.edu/

09/13/2026

Application deadline is September 16th!

🌱 Grow, give, and make a difference! Volunteer with the WSU Extension Master Gardener Program and help educate communities on sustainability, climate resilience, and local food access. No experience needed—just a passion for learning and giving back! 🌎✨

🗓️ Apply by September 16th to be part of something meaningful. Applications for the 2026-2027 EMG Program in Cowlitz County received after September 16th may be considered if time and space allow.

Apply for EMG Program here: https://wsu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6M4Ia3PWxgya5ds