The Stanislaus Sprout

Apples of my Eye

September 26, 2025
By Anne E Schellman
 Nothing says fall like biting into a fresh, crisp apple. While a few varieties are available in stores, growing your own apples can be a rewarding experience, providing you with varieties unavailable at the supermarket. This article includes information to assist home gardeners in selecting the right…
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For Summer Shade, Plant a Tree Today

September 26, 2025
By Anne E Schellman
 Many beautiful varieties of shade trees are well-suited to our Central Valley climate. Fall is the perfect time to plant a tree that will provide shade for your landscape for years to come! Small Trees – to 30 feet tallChaste Tree (Vitex agnus-castus)This gorgeous deciduous tree has a round or…
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MOSQUITOES: The True Vampires

September 26, 2025
By Anne E Schellman
 Vampires are mythic undead humans who sleep during the day and hunt for blood at night.  However, we have our own very real and very much alive bloodsucking vampires - mosquitoes! Unlike vampires, some mosquitoes are active during the daytime and may be out with the ghosts, goblins and witches…
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Saving Seeds

August 19, 2025
By Anne E Schellman
 I’ve enjoyed gardening for years. I started by visiting my local garden center each spring and carefully selecting containers of already started plants. I quickly realized that I didn’t need 6 zucchini plants – seriously, with only 2 adults I could have been a cartoon for “gifting” the excess. I also…
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SEPTEMBER IN THE GARDEN – What Bees Might You See?

August 18, 2025
By Anne E Schellman
 Honeybees (Apis mellifera) are the only bees you may see in your garden year-round. Other bees are seasonal, with different species appearing at different times of the year. Here are three of the California native bees you may see in your garden during September; all are important pollinators:…
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