The Savvy Sage

  Article and photos by Treva Valentine - In the past, when people mentioned to me that they garden, I always pictured them vegetable gardening. When I trained with the UC Master Gardener Program some thirty years ago, I quickly realized that many people who garden don’t have anything edible…

 Article and photos by Peg Smith - We wish you Happy Gardening in 2026! We often set New Year’s resolutions in our lives at this time, some we achieve, some we move the needle on, and some fall by the wayside. In thinking of garden resolutions, we would encourage: to think ahead; plan; take…

Article by Peg Smith - January and February are the prime time for adding fruit trees to the garden. Many gardeners are dealing with smaller gardens where space is a premium. Often, the consideration of adding fruit trees meets the thought, ‘I don’t have enough room.’ Always Wanted Fruit Trees But…

 Article by Kathy Polkinghorn - When I applied to become a UC Master Gardener in 2015 after a few years of retirement, I was not sure what to expect. Although my career took me in a different direction, I had a midwestern farm family background and a lifelong affinity for plants. As a child, I…

This column is written by the Master Gardeners of Yolo County each month. It provides answers to selected questions recently asked by Yolo County gardeners. Question: My five-year-old grapefruit has yellowing leaves. It has not bloomed. I water it every day. What should I do? Answer: A five-year…