Napa Master Gardener Column

By Denise Seghesio Levine, U.C. Master Gardener of Napa County To pinch or not to pinch? That is the question. Pinching is a technique that can shape a plant; increase production of herbs, flowers and fruits; determine the size of blooms and fruit and even keep your garden blooming longer.

By T. Eric Nightingale, U.C Master Gardener of Napa County There is nothing quite like walking through, or relaxing near, one's own garden. Gazing upon the plants that have thrived and bloomed, the result of hard work and tender care, is a singular experience.

UC Master Gardener Denise Levine has these alluring remarks about the virtues of the tomatoes in our upcoming tomato plant sale on April 14. Red, yellow, purple or green? Huge, small, plum or round? Some might say there are too many choices, but you can decide next Saturday, April 14, when the U. C.

By David Layland, U. C. Master Gardener of Napa County It's that time of year: time to start thinking about planting this year's vegetable garden. It's still too early to actually plant seeds or starts but it's not too early to do a little planning.

When I look back at my vegetable garden layouts from years ago, I see that everything was planted in neat and segregated rows. Every vegetable had its own area and would not dare encroach on its neighbors. I probably did this as I wanted my vegetable garden to be visually pleasing.