Napa Master Gardener Column

Primary Image
What's good about composting. (UCANR)
Article

Compost Is Good for the Environment!

January 18th, 2025
When I joined the University of California Master Gardeners of Napa County in 2016, I had planned to check out the MG committees and decide which one was best suited to my nascent talents. Jill Pahl had another idea: Cindy, we could use you on the compost committee, right now. I was taken aback.
View Article
Primary Image
Cymbidium orchids (commons.wikimedia.org)
Article

Repotting Orchids

January 11th, 2025
Orchids (Phalaenopsis) are readily available this time of year in nurseries and even grocery stores. They are popular hostess gifts. I find them quite beautiful and I am always tempted to add another one to my collection.
View Article
Primary Image
Starting Seeds (handyhometips.com)
Article

Starting Plants from Seeds

January 4th, 2025
By Yvonne Rasmussen, UC Master Gardener of Napa County Growing plants from seeds rather than from nursery starts has many advantages and can be an awe-inspiring experience. By using seeds, you have more options than nurseries offer.
View Article
Primary Image
Peppers! (Watter)
Article

Pick a Peck of Peppers

December 28th, 2024
My mother adored pepperblack, red, green, hot, sweet, any kind. She used so much cracked pepper in our meals that most of them looked as if they were dug out of a gravel pit. I used to sulkily scrape it off while she told me I didn't know what was good. Times and tastes have changed, though.
View Article
Primary Image
Christmas Amaryllis (C Watter)
Article

Christmas Amaryllis.

December 21st, 2024
By Cindy Watter, UC Master Gardener of Napa County Amaryllis is a popular Christmas gift and decoration. I have received many over the years, and they are long lasting and beautiful. However, they are not true amaryllis.
View Article