HOrT COCO-UC Master Gardener Program of Contra Costa

If you've noticed small, greenish-yellow beetles with twelve black spots chewing holes in your vegetable leaves, you may be hosting one of summer's most troublesome visitors: the western spotted cucumber beetle (Diabrotica undecimpunctata). This is the most common cucumber beetle species in California, and…

Earwigs are one of the most recognizable insects in the garden because that distinctive pair of pincers at the tail end makes them hard to mistake. While their prominent pincers might look ferocious, earwigs aren't harmful to people. Earwigs can be a mixed blessing: they can seriously damage seedlings and…

If you've been noticing tiny white insects fluttering up from your plants when you brush against the leaves, you're not alone. Whiteflies are one of the most common complaints we hear this time of year. The good news is that they can be managed with some straightforward strategies. Whiteflies can be a real…

Bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) is a warm-season grass that is sometimes used for lawns. It tolerates high temperatures, needs full sun, and survives with low water. Unfortunately, it is also one of the most common weeds in our area and is difficult to control.  To identify bermudagrass, look for dense…

Note: This was originally published in the Contra Costa Times. It has been updated.If you have ever admired the coral beauty of camellias, azaleas or rhododendrons or savored the juicy plumpness of blueberries, you may have thought of growing your own. You may also have heard that these are acid-loving…