Yakima Master Gardeners

10/15/2026

Don’t forget! The Art Team will be accepting donations of gently used garden items this Saturday Oct 17th from 8:30 am to 10:00 am at our Green house? Unfortunately we are nable to accept plants, soil, chemicals or nursery pots. We will repurpose items for our annual fundraiser.

10/14/2026

It is National Food Bank week! Let’s remember our neighbors who may be struggling!

10/14/2026

You may have seen our Tree of Heaven samples at the Farmers Market all summer, but here is a great photo you can use to check any near by you!

W**D WEDNESDAY
Tree of Heaven
Ailanthus altissima
Other Common Names: stinking quassia, copal-tree

This Class C w**d is also on the quarantine list. It is prohibited to transport any parts of this plant into or within Washington state. This is a fast growing tree that outcompetes native plants. It also leaches chemicals into the soil that may inhibit growth or create a toxic environment for neighboring plants. Plants can reproduce by seed as well as vegetatively by roots and stump sprouts.

CONTROL MEASURES
General: remove young seedlings before they have a chance to establish extensive roots

Manual: Cutting or mowing plants alone will not control this plant as stumps and roots can resprout. Wet the soil before any type of removal and wear gloves to prevent possible skin reactions.

Cultural: Create a dense canopy of desirable plants that will provide shade to deter regrowth and establishment of seedlings.

Herbicide: Contact your local Washington State W**d Board for guidance in using chemicals.

Spokane County Noxious W**d Control Board can give additional details about controlling and disposing of this plant. Contact # is: 509-477-5777

10/14/2026

Check this out! Become one of the Fun-guys who can spot the fungi!

Think mushrooms are just what you find at the grocery store? Think again! Fall brings a fascinating variety of mushrooms to the forests of Central Washington, including prized edible species.

This beginner-friendly class taught by YVMS member Garrett Brenden will cover the basics of mushroom hunting, including helpful gear, identification tips, mushroom safety, where and when to look, how to find new spots, and ways to prepare your finds. Whether you’re brand new to foraging or just looking to learn more, this class is a great place to start!

Register here: https://campscui.active.com/orgs/YakimaAreaArboretum?orglink=camps-registration

If you're into mushroom hunting but don't know what to do or where to go, this is the perfect class for you to help get you started. You can also join the Yakima Valley Mushroom Society (www.yvms.org) to get more information about mushrooms in our area, where to find them, and even what to cook with them!

Cost is $25 for YAA/YVMS members, $30 for Non-Members. Registration preferred but walk-ins are welcome!

Register here: https://campscui.active.com/orgs/YakimaAreaArboretum?orglink=camps-registration

10/14/2026

Those Ahtanum Garden Wednesdays are winding down! Only one more after today, but that will be more end of season celebration.

Today was finishing up tasks around the garden. And since our regular photographer is on vacation, we just have some happy MG’s at break. But look at all those leaves! Fall has definitely set in at the garden! And we are Leaving the Leaves for our pollinator friends! If you haven’t, why give Leave the Leaves a try this year?

We garden shed git some improvements this season as well. The patio floor got relayed, and more importantly our shed door got a fun and beautiful paint job!

Because we decided on this project we all lost our dear Dolly Parton, we decided to do up the shed in her honor! So presenting Dolly’s Door of Many Colors!

And if you are in our garden or anywhere else, take Dolly advice - “If you see somebody without a smile, give’em yours!”

10/14/2026

Let’s talk trees!! In today’s episode of The Evergreen Thumb!

The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is tomorrow.

In episode 83 of The Evergreen Thumb, we talk with Tim Kohlhauff, Urban Horticulture Program Coordinator with WSU Extension Spokane County and an ISA-certified arborist, about why the trees in our communities matter and how to support them.

In this episode:
What counts as urban tree canopy, including the trees in your own backyard
How trees intercept air pollution, slow stormwater, and cool neighborhoods
The urban heat island effect and tree equity
New pests and a changing climate
The tension between housing needs and room for trees
Choosing a tree that fits your site, planting at the right depth, and watering in the first few years

Listen now on your favorite podcast app or at https://buff.ly/r5cG5Pd

10/13/2026

Has the cool weather got you cleaning up and out your garden and your shed? Ready for some things to go? Give them a new life in our plant sale art department!

The Art Team will be accepting donations of gently used garden items this Saturday Oct 17th from 8:30 am to 10:00 am at our Green house? Unfortunately we are nable to accept plants, soil, chemicals or nursery pots. We will repurpose items for our annual fundraiser.

10/13/2026

Call to Action: Many ways to attend FIRA USA in Yakima (Oct. 19-22)

FIRA USA 2026 is the premier event for agricultural robotics, automation, and advanced AgTech, specifically focusing on the needs of Pacific Northwest crops like orchard canopy management, tillage, and irrigation. The 5th edition of this event takes place from October 20–22, 2026 at the State Fair Park in Yakima, Washington (with a pre-event workshop on October 19). Attendees can explore live robot demonstrations, listen to international experts, and network with growers and product teams. Registration is free for growers, farmworkers, and students, and you can sign up or view registration rates for other categories by visiting the official website at fira-usa.com.

The WA Tree Fruit Research Commission has been instrumental in organizing this event and we want to encourage the community to show up and participate in this very unique opportunity. If you have questions please reach out directly to: Ines Hanrahan ([email protected])

https://www.facebook.com/reel/1333633208737048

The event is no longer only about robotics but now embraces AgTech, addressing the specific needs of the Pacific Northwest such as irrigation, canopy management, tillage, and more.

10/11/2026

Only this Sunday and next Sunday then Farmers Market is done for the year! Don’t miss your chance to get in those last questions about fall gardens, over wintering or get a jump on spring preparedness! Come down and see us!