Sandusky/Ottawa County Master Gardeners

10/26/2025

Our Biocontrols of the Month for October are insect-killing nematodes. There are numerous species of nematodes, but only some of them are known to feed on insects! These species, also called entomopathogenic nematodes or EPN, parasitize and consume insect larvae that live in garden soil. Keep in mind, not all insect species are susceptible to nematode attacks; follow the link to learn more about how this biocontrol can be used effectively:https://rvpadmin.cce.cornell.edu/uploads/doc_1012.pdf

09/15/2025

Our Pest of the Month for September is Japanese knotw**d. This highly invasive perennial came to the United States as an ornamental garden plant, only to quickly become a noxious w**d. Japanese knotw**d tends to grow along riverbanks and in forests, where it chokes out native plants, forming thick, impenetrable stands. Have you seen Japanese knotw**d in your yard? Follow the link to learn more about this pest: https://w**dguide.cfaes.osu.edu/singlerecord.asp?id=60

09/04/2025

Happy fall, Master Gardeners! Our Plant of the Month for September is the New England aster. These asters are native to North America and start blooming in the late summer/early fall. They produce tons of purple flowers much beloved by pollinator insects! As with many native species, New England asters are remarkably drought-tolerant and can grow in a variety of light and soil conditions. Learn more by clicking the link: https://www.uvm.edu/extension/news/late-blooming-beauty-new-england-aster

08/31/2025

Our Pathogen of the Month for August is ripe rot in grapes. This is a fungal disease that appears late in the growing season, typically in response to unusually warm and wet weather. As the name suggests, ripe rot causes lesions on the flesh of the grapes, eventually leading them to rot and wither. Some grape varieties may be more susceptible to ripe rot than others! Click the link for more information: https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/plpath-fru-0052

08/26/2025

08/17/2025

08/16/2025

Our Pest of the Month for August is one you’re probably all familiar with…the dreaded Japanese beetle. These invasive beetles were introduced to the US around 1916, and have since wreaked havoc on many a garden. They are generalist herbivores, feeding on over 400 species of plants. Unfortunately, biocontrol methods for Japanese beetles haven’t been widely successful, but there are several other techniques that will protect your garden from maximum damage. Follow the link to learn more: https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/ENT-46

08/12/2025

Our Biocontrol of the Month for August is the Canada thistle stem-mining weevil. As their name implies, these weevils have a life-long relationship with the highly invasive Canada thistle plant. Both larvae and adults cause hefty damage to the stems of the thistle; the injured plant is then more prone to more damage from other pathogens and insects. Unfortunately, weevils alone are not enough to control this noxious w**d! Check out the link for more information: https://cafla-ab.ca/.../CANADA-THISTLE-STEM-MINING...

05/03/2025

Thank you to the over 500 customers who purchased plants at the 20th Annual Sandusky/Ottawa County Master Gardeners Plant Sale today!!!
These cheerful cut flowers sum up our appreciation not only to our customers but also to every MG Volunteer who worked to make this a successful event.

05/03/2025

Customers are flocking to the 20th Annual MGV Plant Sale at the Sandusky County Fairgrounds. Our volunteers are astounded at the current count 228!

05/03/2025

Doors open at 9 a.m. this morning. Here are a few of the many plants for sale.

05/02/2025

Rain or Shine come to the 20th Annual MGV Plant Sale Saturday, May 3, at the Sandusky County Fairgrounds in Fremont.