Resources

Useful Gardening Resources in Polk and Marion Counties

The information provided is for reference only and does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation.

Getting Started

Certification Programs

  • Master Gardeners: A program that trains volunteers to provide research-based horticultural advice to the public.
  • Horticulture at Chemeketa: Offers comprehensive education in plant science, landscape management, and sustainable practices.
  • Master Food Preservers: Teaches safe and effective methods of food preservation to volunteers who then educate their communities.
  • Oregon Naturalist: A program that educates participants about Oregon’s natural history, ecology, and conservation practices.
  • Master Beekeeper: Provides training and certification for beekeepers at various skill levels, emphasizing best practices and bee health.
  • Master Melittologist: Train citizen scientists to both collect AND curate bee specimens.
  • OSU Compost Specialist: Trains volunteers in composting techniques to promote soil health and reduce waste in the community.

Educational Programs

  • Seed to Supper: A beginner gardening course that teaches low-income adults how to grow their own food.
  • Junior Master Gardeners: An engaging youth gardening program that provides children with hands-on learning experiences in horticulture.
  • Plant Heroes: A fun and educational program designed to teach kids about plant health and conservation.
  • Marion SWCD Little Habitat Program: An initiative aimed at creating small-scale habitats to support local wildlife.
  • Food Hero: A resource promoting healthy eating habits through easy-to-make recipes and nutrition tips.
  • Garden to Table from Yamhill County Master Gardeners: A program that teaches the basics of growing, harvesting, and preparing fresh produce.
  • Growing Oregon Gardeners: Level Up Series: An advanced gardening series offering in-depth knowledge and skills for experienced gardeners.

Public Gardens

  • The Oregon Garden Silverton: A stunning 80-acre botanical garden featuring diverse plant collections and beautiful landscapes.
  • Delbert Hunter Arboretum Dallas: An educational arboretum showcasing a wide variety of trees and plants native to Oregon.
  • Bush Pasture Park Salem: A historic park with extensive gardens, walking trails, and the historic Bush House Museum.
  • Historic Deepwood Gardens Salem: Victorian-era gardens surrounding the Historic Deepwood Estate, offering a glimpse into Salem’s past.
  • Martha Springer Botanical Gardens Salem: A compact but diverse garden on the Willamette University campus, featuring native and exotic plants.
  • Gaiety Hollow Salem: The home and garden of pioneering landscape architects Elizabeth Lord and Edith Schryver.
  • Audubon Nature Reserve Salem: A serene nature reserve focusing on wildlife habitat and native plant conservation.
  • Mt. Fir Inspiration Garden Independence: A beautiful 7-acre garden showcasing sustainable gardening practices, maintained by Master Gardeners.
  • Marion Demonstration Garden Salem: An educational garden maintained by Master Gardeners to demonstrate various gardening techniques and plant varieties

Nurseries / Farm Stores

Oregon plant something maintains a searchable database of nurseries and suppliers in Oregon.

🌱 Indicates nurseries that are excellent sources for Native Plants.  Some may be located outside of Marion/Polk Counties.

Community Gardens

Marion Polk Foodshare maintains a comprehensive list of community gardens.

Food Pantries

Marion Polk Foodshare’s list of Neighborhood Food Pantries

Seeds

Farmer’s Markets

Landscaping Companies

Oregon Plant Something has a list of landscaping service in Oregon.

Arborists

Compost

Soil Testing

soil testing services commonly used for garden soil testing:

Whatever company you decide to use, remember to check its website for fees and instructions on collecting and mailing samples.

Remember to list what plant you want to grow in the area you sampled (vegetables, lawn, fruit trees, blueberries, etc.) and request recommendations with the soil test. Then, you will get specific advice on adjusting the fertilizer rates and pH for optimum growth.

 

Woodchips

  • R&R Tree Service Salem – call 503-540-9038 – to be added to their chip mulch list. When the crew is working in the area, and has a load available, they will call to see if you are interested. Each load of chips is approximately 10 – 15 yards. They dump full loads only.

Mushrooms

Bees and Bee Supplies

Garden Supplies

Permaculture

Plant Sales

Online Guides / References / Apps

  • OSU Extension Service: Provides research-based knowledge and educational programs to help Oregonians.
  • Pacific Northwest Pest Management Handbook: A comprehensive guide to identifying and managing pests in the Pacific Northwest.
  • National Wildlife Foundation Native Plant Finder: Helps gardeners select native plants that support local wildlife based on their ZIP code.
  • OregonFlora: A resource for comprehensive information on the plants of Oregon, including an extensive database of native species.
  • Plant Buddies: Easy to use companion planting guide: An interactive guide to companion planting, helping gardeners choose beneficial plant pairings.
  • PlantNet: An app for identifying plants by taking photos and comparing them with a vast botanical database.
  • Vegplotter: A tool for planning vegetable gardens, allowing users to layout their plots and manage planting schedules.

Local Organizations

Facebook Groups

Youtube

This Guide is inspired by the Corvallis Garden Resource Guide

Last Updated April 15, 2025

For suggestions and edits please email polkmg@oregonstate.edu