Farmers Market Listings

from page 34 great soil as it decomposes. Check in 4-8 weeks. If the grass is dead, you can rake back the chips and plant! Replace 2-4 inches of mulch around the new plants, and re-purpose the rest of the mulch in your yard. It’s as easy as that!

Some things to think about

Right plants, right place: There are great lists of plants online (greatplantpicks.org) and in books like the Sunset Western Garden Book and Gardening in Summer-Dry Climates: Plants for a Lush, Water-Conscious Landscape by Nora Harlow. Talk to friends about what does best in their gardens... low-water-use shrubs, trees, perennial flowers, bulbs, and groundcovers that you’d enjoy. Place plants with similar light, soil, and water needs together. Prioritize which plants are most important to you and “spend” your water on them; these are probably your pricey trees and shrubs. Plan to use perennial flowers and gorgeous ornamental grasses to add color to your landscape instead of thirsty summer annuals. Learn to appreciate our Pacific Northwest native plants, but plant them in spaces that mimic their natural habitat.

Consider adding hardscape areas, groundcovers, low water-need plants, mulch, and eco-lawn mixes to existing turf areas. Replace some of your lawn with water-permeable patio areas —wood, rock, pavers, gravel are good choices. You can create some lovely gathering spaces in your landscaping to enjoy with your family and friends.

While you’re planning, consider getting a soil test for specific recommendations for improving your soil before planting—you can’t go wrong by adding more composted organic matter to your existing soil. Planning for drip irrigation and mulching will get the water where you need it and keep it there. I think our dry, hot summers are probably here to stay for the foreseeable future — let’s adapt our landscaping to the conditions. One of the best things about planning drought-resistant landscaping is you’ll have less work to do in the garden and be able to enjoy it more. Your plants will be healthier because they are adapted to dry summers, you’ll be doing less weeding and watering because of your drip irrigation and mulching, and your water bill will be much lower. Learn as you go — some plants will work great for you, others may not. Be flexible because there are so many fun options to choose from! •••

OSU/WSU Extension Programs

OSU – Columbia County) 503-397-3462

Gardening Spot on KOHI (1600 am) radio: Every Saturday, 8:05–8:15am

WSU – Cowlitz County

304 Cowlitz Way, Kelso, WA 98626 Free online Workshops Call 360-577-3014 Ext.3, for connection info. Details: cowlitzcomg.com/events Aug. 17 Noon • Extending the Growing Season Aug. 24 12 Noon • Seed saving — for NEXT season Aug. 31 12 Noon • Growing Garlic in the Pacific NW Sept. 7 Noon • Ask a WSU Master Gardener Sept. 14 Noon • Planting in Shady Areas

COMMUNITY/FARMERS MARKETS

Astoria Sunday Market

Thru Oct. 23. Sundays • 10–3 Downtown on 12th, just off Hwy 30, Astoria, Ore. • 503-325-1010 www.astoriasundaymarket.com Mgr: Shelby, 503-440-7168 shelby@astoriadowntown.com

Clatskanie Farmers’ Market

Saturdays • 10–2, June to Sept. Copes Park. From Hwy 30, turn north on Nehalem, east on Lillich. New vendors welcome; find application at clatskaniefarmersmarket.com Info: 971-506-7432 Darro Breshears-Routon clatskaniefmvendorcoordinator@gmail.com

Ilwaco Saturday Market

Saturdays • 10–4 Thru Sept 25 Arts/crafts, housewares, cut flowers, foods. Port of Ilwaco, Ilwaco, Wash. www.portofilwaco.com Info: marketmanager.ilwaco@gmail.com or phone 360-670-0120

Elochoman Marina Farmers Market

Fridays thru Sept 10 • 3–6pm 500 2nd St,, Cathlamet, Wash. cathlametmarina.org Info: port1j@cni.net, call or text Deb Holland, Mgr: 360-849-9401

Columbia-Pacific Farmers Market

Fridays •12–5pm, June to Sept Downtown Long Beach, Wash. www.longbeachwa.gov info: cpfmmallory@gmail.com; 360-224-3921

Cowlitz Community Farmers Market

Open 9–2, Sat thru Oct, Tues thru Sept. 1900 7th Ave, Cowlitz Expo Center, Longview, Wash. www.cowlitzfarmersmarkets.com Info: Laurie Kochis 360-957-7023 lauriekochis@msn.com

Scappoose Community Club Farmers Market

Saturday, 9–2 • Thru Sept 25 Behind City Hall next to Heritage Park, 2nd St., Scappoose, Ore. www.scappoosefarmermarket.com Info: Bill Blank 503-730-7429 email: scappoosefm@gmail.com

We gladly list local farmers markets. Please send details and contact info to publisher@ crreader.com

Kalama resident Alice Slusher volunteers with WSU Extension Service Plant & Insect Clinic. Call 360577-3014, ext. 8, or send question via cowlitzmastergardener@ gmail.com. Original • Local • Organic All about the good life here Only good news Lewis & Clark subscribed

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