- Author: Barbra Pushies
As April unfolds, California gardeners eagerly anticipate the season's lush beauty. With frost receding into memory and temperatures climbing, it's time to welcome a fresh wave of blossoms and produce. Whether you reside in the north, south, or somewhere in between, here's a comprehensive checklist to help guide your April gardening activities:
- Conceal Fading Bulb Foliage. Hide fading bulb foliage with shallow-rooted annuals like lobelia or sweet alyssum. This not only enhances the garden's appearance but also aids in vital nutrient transfer for next year's blooms.
- Monitor Roses. As roses leaf out and bud, monitor them for aphids. If you find aphids, remove them from your plants with a strong stream of water. This practice helps manage populations so you don't end up with a large colony.
- Add Summer Annuals. Brighten flower beds with summer-blooming annuals, enriching the soil with organic compost to support vibrant growth and colorful displays.
- Plant Summer Vegetables. Sow seeds or transplant summer vegetables as the weather gets warmer, ensuring they receive sufficient sunlight and nutrient-rich soil. Hold off on planting tomato starts until nighttime temperatures remain above 55?F to avoid frost damage.
- Pest Control. Safeguard young plants from pests like snails, slugs, and earwigs by using traps. Regular monitoring and intervention help maintain garden health.
- Mulch Application. Apply mulch around trees and in beds to retain soil moisture as temperatures rise. This helps conserve water and provides insulation to plant roots during warmer weather.
- Plant Frost-Tender Species. Introduce frost-tender species appropriate to your growing zone. Ensure regular watering to keep the root zone moist but not waterlogged.
- Care for Citrus and Fruit Trees. Prune frost-damaged branches to promote healthy growth and fruit production. Proper care ensures a bountiful harvest later in the season.
- Weed Management. As weeds pop up after all the Spring rains, employ non-chemical methods like cultivation, handweeding, or mowing to manage weeds effectively. Keeping weeds in check helps maintain the health and aesthetics of your garden beds.
With this April garden checklist, you're well-equipped to embrace the season's abundance and nurture a thriving garden.
Ask your local UC Master Gardener Program
Have a gardening question? UC Master Gardener volunteers are available to help. Click here to Find a Program and connect with your local UC Master Gardener Program. You will be redirected to your local county website and contact information. UC Master Gardener volunteers are available to help answer questions for FREE. Happy gardening!
- Author: Barbra Pushies
Watch the video on YouTube here
As we continue our celebrations of National Volunteer Month, we're excited to spotlight a remarkable group of UC Master Gardeners dedicated to nurturing vibrant habitat gardens, promoting biodiversity, and advocating for sustainable landscaping practices. These exceptional UC Master Gardeners have transformed not only gardens but also mindsets, fostering a deeper appreciation for native plants and pollinators within their community. Join us as we celebrate and express our gratitude to these outstanding "Sustainable Landscape Stewards" for their unwavering commitment to enhancing urban biodiversity and promoting environmental stewardship.
Sam Foushee, Sally Hughes, and Jennifer Cardoza, tackled the challenge of revitalizing a plot near the vegetable trials garden at the Lake Merrit Trial Garden in Alameda County into a sanctuary for native bees. Their dedication and vision have created an oasis of biodiversity focused on plants that attract, shelter and feed native bees. The garden has expanded multiple times including preserving and protecting species of native plants to promote biodiversity. This project has inspired others and helped UC Master Gardeners build a deeper understanding of planting for pollinators and overall biodiversity that they have been able to share within their communities.
Birgitt Evans, helped the Lake Merrit Trial Garden grow and expanded its efforts by focusing on creating habitat areas tailored to the needs of butterflies. Her contributions have been instrumental in supporting monarch butterflies and fostering habitats for a diverse range of butterfly species, aiding in the conservation of these vital pollinators.
Jane Margold has taken the Lake Merrit Trial Garden Project to the next stage leading a citizen science project that monitors which plants attract which types of native bees and other pollinators. When completed, this information will be available to inform local native plant gardeners in making plant selection decisions to promote pollinators in Alameda County's microclimate.
Lindy Kauffman, an exceptional leader, spearheaded the establishment of educational sustainable gardens across Mariposa County. Lindy has overseen the design and installation of gardens showcasing swales to control water, sustainable mulching methods, and the use of climate-adapted plants. These gardens serve as educational resources for volunteers and the community alike. Lindy organized a cohort of UC Master Gardeners and AmeriCorps volunteers and collaborated with county, Chamber of Commerce, and other volunteer organizations to design and install a sustainable landscaping garden with more than 100 locally adapted plants.
Ann Northrup, leverages her background in plant pathology and has been integral to the success of Santa Clara County's online Plant Clinic. Her expertise and dedication to serving home gardeners has provided invaluable support, especially during the transition to virtual clinics amid the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Through her commitment, the online Plant Clinic continues to thrive, reaching and benefiting an ever-expanding number of participants.
As we celebrate National Volunteer Month, let us extend our heartfelt appreciation to Sam Foushee, Sally Hughes, Jennifer Cardoza, Birgitt Evans, Lindy Kauffman, and Ann Northrup. Their tireless efforts and passion for sustainability have enriched our landscapes and inspired others to join in the collective endeavor to preserve and protect California's natural resources.
About National Volunteer Month and Sustainable Landscape Stewards
During National Volunteer Month (April 1 - 30), the UC Master Gardener Program celebrates the extraordinary contributions of its volunteers to promoting sustainable landscaping practices and biodiversity conservation. Sustainable Landscape Stewards volunteers were nominated for their outstanding work in creating and maintaining habitat gardens, fostering urban biodiversity, and promoting environmental stewardship. Join us in honoring their dedication and passion for making a positive impact on the environment and the community at large. If you would like to get involved and learn more about sustainable landscaping practices in your community, you can find your local program here
- Author: Barbra Pushies
Watch on YouTube Here: https://youtu.be/K66uOuYtLkQ
We are halfway through our celebration of National Volunteer Month and are delighted to highlight UC Master Gardeners who have demonstrated extraordinary dedication to community outreach and communication efforts. These volunteers have worked to enhance the visibility of the UC Master Gardener Program, engage with new and diverse audiences, and foster gardening connections within their communities. Join us as we recognize these outstanding individuals for their commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of others!
Linda Griffith, a dedicated UC Master Gardener in San Luis Obispo County, has demonstrated a commitment to lifelong learning and effective communication. Her initiative to launch and develop a YouTube channel for her local program, featuring instructional videos on various gardening topics, has greatly expanded outreach and engagement. Linda's clear and concise communication style has made complex gardening concepts accessible to a broader audience, resulting in increased viewership and subscriber numbers. Her contributions to the program's outreach efforts through digital media have enriched the gardening community not only in San Luis Obispo County but across California.
Shelia Skemp, a UC Master Gardener in Glenn County, has wholeheartedly embraced every opportunity to contribute. All ideas and activities suggested by Sheila are very much focused on ways to publicize the program. She was able to create a banner showcasing UC Master Gardeners and their help-line plant clinic, and have it displayed prominently over Highway 32 in downtown Orland twice a year. Additionally, Shelia created an engaging activity book for children about plants and gardening, distributed with crayons featuring UC Master Gardener contact information. Her innovative ideas and proactive approach have made a significant impact in Glenn County.
Michele Nowak-Sharey, a UC Master Gardener volunteer in Mariposa County, has quickly become an indispensable member of the team, particularly in the realm of communication and outreach. Serving as co-chair of the Communications Committee, Michele works tirelessly to ensure that volunteers are well-informed and connected. Her expertise in communication has been instrumental in maintaining the VMS calendar, facilitating volunteer engagement, and promoting various events and workshops. Michele's dedication to enhancing communication channels has strengthened community connections and facilitated greater participation in all UC Master Gardener activities.
Judith MacLaren, a dynamic UC Master Gardener, has made remarkable strides in enhancing communication and outreach efforts in Merced County. Her initiative to completely overhaul the UC Master Gardener website in Merced County and initiate a monthly online newsletter has significantly increased engagement and participation in community workshops. Judith's efforts have not only doubled participation at events but have also attracted a younger and more diverse audience. Her commitment to effective communication has contributed to the program's success and growth in Merced County.
Mary Werthman, has demonstrated exceptional leadership and a commitment to promoting diversity and resilience within the UC Master Gardener Program of Santa Clara County. She created the 'Our Master Garden' internal newsletter, sending it out monthly with board and UCCE updates, upcoming projects and program goals. Her initiatives to align local programming with statewide priorities, engage diverse audiences, and strengthen collaboration with neighboring counties have been instrumental in advancing the program's mission. Mary's proactive approach to leadership and community engagement has contributed to the program's success and impact in Santa Clara County.
Debbie Westrick's leadership in communication efforts for the UC Master Gardener Program in Sonoma County has been transformative, elevating the program's visibility and engagement within the community. Her strategic approach to publicity, including establishing a monthly newsletter and forging partnerships with local media outlets, has significantly increased awareness and participation in UC Master Gardener activities. Debbie's dedication to excellence in communication has strengthened community connections and enriched the gardening community in Sonoma County.
Jan Stanley's dedication to maintaining an up-to-date and engaging public website for the UC Master Gardener Program in Solano County has enhanced communication and outreach efforts. Her proficiency in navigating website platforms and sharing information has ensured that the program remains accessible and relevant to the community. Jan's contributions to the program's online presence have facilitated greater engagement and participation in UC Master Gardener activities.
Carl Mehlhope's enthusiastic approach to community engagement and publicity efforts has raised awareness and participation throughout Solano County. His background in marketing and his proactive outreach efforts have helped to forge new connections and expand the program's reach within the community. Carl's dedication to spreading the word about UC Master Gardener activities has contributed to increased attendance at all events and on social media.
Ruth Clawson, a UC Master Gardener in Solano County, has done a deep dive into social media learning as much as she can from UC ANR resources and using that information to help elevate her county's online presence. In addition to working on social media, Ruth has also been instrumental in keeping the publicity committee moving forward. Her commitment to communication has resulted in a marked uptick in attendance at all events and return attendees to monthly events.
We are immensely grateful for the dedication, passion, and hard work that Sheila, Michele, Judy, Linda, Allen, Mary, Debbie, Jan, Carl, and Ruth have demonstrated in advancing community outreach and communication efforts within their respective counties. Their collective contributions to outreach and communications have not only helped their individual counties but also the UC Master Gardener Program as a whole. As we celebrate National Volunteer Month, let us express our heartfelt gratitude to these volunteers for their invaluable service and commitment to creating stronger, more resilient communities through gardening.
About National Volunteer Month and Gardeners with Heart
During National Volunteer Month (April 1 - 30), the UC Master Gardener Program celebrates its dedicated volunteers and their significant contributions to communities across California. Gardeners with Heart volunteers are nominated for their exceptional work in community outreach and communication efforts, highlighting their commitment to promoting gardening education and fostering community resilience. Join us in honoring their dedication and passion for making a positive difference in the lives of others. If you are interested in learning more about gardening in your community or getting involved, you can find your local program here.
