TO: Editors, Assignment Editors, News Directors, Reporters
RE: Making Gardens Grow Is Tops with Penn State Ag Faculty

Gardening is one of the top pastimes for homeowners and professionals. Aside from Martha Stewart, however, many would-be gardeners don't know where to turn for sound advice.

Faculty in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences can offer their expertise on a wide variety of gardening-related topics, ranging from mulches to roses.

The following faculty would be effective sources on gardening-related issues:

--Mike Orzolek, professor of horticulture. Orzolek is an expert on vegetable production, including the use of colored plastic mulches to improve vegetable growth. His office number is 814-863-2251.

--Peter Ferretti, professor of vegetable crops. Ferretti can discuss most aspects of vegetables, edible herbs and edible flowers. His office number is 814-863-2313.

--David Beattie, associate professor of ornamental horticulture. Beattie is an expert on all types of perennial plants. His office number is 814-863-2263.

--Robert Berghage, assistant professor of horticulture. Berghage is an expert on greenhouses and flowers and is knowledgeable about many other gardening issues. He also oversees the Penn State Trial Gardens. His office number is 814-863-2190.

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Contacts: John Wall jtw3@psu.edu 814-863-2719 814-865-1068 fax