The Coastal Gardener

The Coastal Gardener, a quarterly Newsletter from the UC Master Gardeners of Humboldt & Del Norte Counties.

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Tiger Slug with a cluster of white eggs in a sandbox.

Slugs of Winter

December 16, 2025
By Keyt Fischer
Here on the North Coast, we are blessed with moderate winter temperatures and abundant moisture in the form of fog, rain, mist, spritz, drizzle, downpours, and the occasional bomb cyclone. All that moisture and our abundant plant growth make for some terrific slug habitat. Now is the time to search out their…
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Orange and yellow dahlia with a frog nestled in the petals

Dahlias - Identifying Crown and Leafy Gall

December 16, 2025
By Karen Burgesser
 By Karen BurgesserDahlias are bushy, tuberous herbaceous perennial plants and belong to the Asteraceae family. There are only 42 species but over 57,000 cultivated varieties. Dahlias, native to Mexico, are designated as the national flower. Dahlias produce a starchy root tuber and originally were grown…
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Family in the garden

Gardening for Life

December 16, 2025
By Laurel Condro
 By Laurel CondroGardening is a great way to stay fit and interact with nature. We can explore our creativity and learn about the environment. Throughout our lifespan, we may experience physical limitations or need to modify our garden to share our hobby with someone with special needs. With adaptations…
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Before the Rains: Garden Cleanup in Fall September-October-November

August 20, 2025
By Isabela Pakbaz
As fall settles in on California’s North Coast, gardeners are presented with a unique opportunity—not to wind down, but to set the stage for success in the seasons ahead. Autumn is the perfect time to enrich your soil, outsmart pests, and plan for a more productive spring garden.Whether you're putting your…
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