Gardening and Landscaping

Gardens and Landscaping

The California Garden Web
The UC Master Gardener Program designed the California Garden Web to serve as a portal to organize and extend the University of California's vast collection of research-based information about gardening. The California Garden Web focuses on sustainable gardening practices and uses a question and answer format to present solutions. Their blog highlights gardening issues pertaining to the season.

Plant Hardiness Zone Map
Find your zone!  The USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map is the standard by which gardeners and growers can determine which plants are most likely to thrive at a location. 

Water Use Classification of Landscape Species (WUCOLS)
Conserve water by matching water supply to plant needs, and by planting similar water and sun needs together. WUCOLS IV provides evaluations of the irrigation water needs for over 3,500 taxa (taxonomic plant groups) used in California landscapes.

Vegetable Planting Guides
Vegetable Planting Guide Chico Valley Area
Vegetable Planting Guide for the Foothills

Plants and Seeds

Butte County All-Star Plants
A collection of landscaping plants that are easy to grow; well suited to our climate and soils; low-maintenance, especially in terms of fertilization and pruning; drought tolerant; able to support beneficial wildlife; and readily available to home gardeners. Section includes a copy of the brochure with planting instructions, plant photos, and an excel spreadsheet to aid in planning.

Climate Appropriate Plant List for Northern California
Compiled by Butte County Master Gardeners and organized by plant type, this document contains information about plant size, bloom time, drought tolerance, sun requirements and wildlife attracted.

UC Davis Arboretum All-Stars and Database
The All-Stars are 100 tough, reliable plants that have been tested in the UC Davis Arboretum that are easy to grow, don’t need a lot of water, have few problems with pests or diseases, and have outstanding qualities in the garden.  Includes a searchable database to find the right plant for your garden.

California Native Plant Database
Created by Theodore Payne Foundation for Wild Flowers and Native Plants, the database contains information and photos about California Natives. There's also a Plant Guides for Garden Needs section with seasonal planting guides, special garden conditions, plants to attract wildlife, plants for containers, fragrant plants, and plants for special geographic areas.

Chico Seed Lending Library
The Chico Seed Lending Library (CSLL) is a self-perpetuating collection of seeds donated and shared by members of the general public. Hosted at the Chico branch of the Butte County Library, CSLL is available free of charge to any Butte County Library card-holder.

Orchards and Trees

The California Backyard Orchard
Everything you want to know about home orchards including site preparation, first year care, pruning and fertilization. Includes information on many specific fruit and nuts along with helpful “Calendars of Backyard Gardening Operations.”

Fruit and Nut Tree Care and Maintenance (pdf)
Prepared specifically for Butte County by Paul Vossen, UCCE Farm Advisor, Sonoma & Marin Counties and Joseph Connell, UCCE Farm Advisor Emeritus, Butte County.

City of Chico Approved Street Tree List (PDF)
A list of approved street and parking lot trees for the City of Chico including a guide to selection, planting and long term care.

Research

UC Fruit & Nut Research & Information Center
The Center provides current UC Cooperative Extension research-based information and research about best management practices as well as practical advice in fruit and nut production.

UC Vegetable Research & Information Center
Provides the most recent UC research and information in support of the vegetable industry. It collect and disseminate information relevant to consumers, growers and processors in the California vegetable industry.

UC Berkeley Urban Bee Lab
This website for the urban bee research group at the University of California contains information about Native Bees and Gardening for Bees.