Penn State Extension Master Gardeners of Wyoming County

10/15/2026

Stunted, deformed plants and flowers?
Earlier this year, several of our Master Gardeners attended a diagnostic webinar on aster yellows, a viral-like disease caused by a phytoplasma and primarily transmitted by leafhoppers. Shortly after, one noted the symptoms on Purple Coneflower in our garden at the Wyoming County Fair, pictured here. But eriophyid mites can cause similar appearing symptoms on coneflowers.
To confirm, we submitted a specimen to the Plant Disease Clinic at Penn State and asked for their help in diagnosing aster yellows versus mites.
The Plant Disease Clinic confirmed the presence of mites and also concurred that the specimen showed symptoms that were characteristic of aster yellows disease.
To manage eriophyid mites, prune and remove deformed flower heads.
To manage aster yellows disease, remove diseased plants and manage for leafhoppers.
Have a gardening question? Contact the Master Gardeners at [email protected].

10/11/2026

Today! Come visit the Master Gardener information table starting at 1:00pm. A presentation on the Spotted Lanternfly begins at 3:00pm.

Lots of fun and exciting events are happening today, Sun., Oct. 11, all around Tunkhannock, including River Day Take 2 right here at the Dietrich! Be sure to check out everything going on in town and make the theater one of your stops.

10/09/2026

Fall is the time to plant a garlic bed! Have you registered for the FREE Seed to Supper program that begins October 19? There are still a few spots left. Attendees will receive garlic cloves for fall planting, along with a coursebook and other supplies. Seed to Supper is a 5-class beginner vegetable gardening course that covers topics including planning a garden, preparing healthy soil, seed starting methods, transplanting, pest and disease management, harvesting, and more! To register, contact the Tunkhannock Public Library. Details are available here on our webpage: https://extension.psu.edu/programs/master-gardener/counties/wyoming/news/seed-to-supper-returns

10/07/2026

Stop by the Master Gardener information table this Sunday at the Dietrich Theater, 1pm to 5pm! We'll have complimentary garden seed packs and sample soil test kits! At 3pm we'll be sharing a lecture presentation on the Spotted Lanternfly.

Tunkhannock’s River Day 2026 (Take 2!)
At the Dietrich Theater in downtown Tunkhannock
Sun., Oct. 11 from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Admission: Free
Sponsored by: the Endless Mountains Heritage Region and PA DCNR and the Wyoming County Marcellus Legacy Fund
Join us for our River Day Take 2 at the Dietrich Theater. Our annual celebration was postponed back in July due to weather, but we’re bringing the fun indoors this time! Enjoy live music, hands‑on environmental activities and displays for all ages, mural painting, and more. Call 570-836-1022 x3 for more information.

10/06/2026

SAVE THE DATE! We're hosting a FREE community screening of the documentary film The Extraordinary Caterpillar, in partnership with the Dietrich Theater in Tunkhannock, on Saturday, November 7. Peek into the world of nature's tiniest superheroes with us! The 1-hour documentary begins at 11:00am, followed by a short Q&A led by the Master Gardeners.
You can learn more about the film and register here on our event webpage: https://extension.psu.edu/the-extraordinary-caterpillar-film-screening

10/05/2026

Join us on Sunday, October 11, at 3:00pm at the Dietrich Theater in Tunkhannock for a presentation about the Spotted Lanternfly, an invasive pest that has spread throughout Pennsylvania since its discovery in Berks County. The presentation is part of the rescheduled River Day activities. Visit the Penn State Extension website here to learn more about Spotted Lanternfly reporting, identification, and management: https://extension.psu.edu/spotted-lanternfly

10/04/2026

To cut or not to cut? When asked what to do with perennials, the answer is often "it depends." There are reasons to leave perennials standing, including adding interest to the winter landscape, providing food for birds, and helping beneficial insects. But some perennials should be cut back. Learn more in the article from Penn State Extension:

Most of the perennials in the garden are finished blooming and it's time to throw in the towel for the growing season.

10/02/2026

A few seats remain in our FREE 5-week beginner vegetable gardening program, Seed to Supper! Classes are Mondays, October 19 - November 16, 5:30pm to 7:00pm. THANK YOU to the Tunkhannock Public Library for their continued partnership! Advanced registration is required. To register, contact the library at 570-836-1677 or visit the library during regular business hours. Additional information about Seed to Supper is here on our webpage: https://extension.psu.edu/programs/master-gardener/counties/wyoming/news/seed-to-supper-returns

09/30/2026

Looking for ways to use your vegetable garden's fall bounty or haul from a local farmer's market? Check out this article with tips for storage, handling, and recipes from Penn State Extension:

During the fall months, there is an array of produce available at your local farm market or in the grocery store. Explore new ways of cooking fall vegetables to bring out sweet and exciting flavors.