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UC Master Gardener Program Statewide Blog

Yellow apples on a tree

 

Welcome to our blog, your source for research-based gardening information. The UC Master Gardener Program extends the University of California's rich agricultural knowledge to home gardeners across the state, promoting sustainable practices and environmental stewardship. We share seasonal tips, plant recommendations, pest management strategies, and stories of the amazing work UC Master Gardener Volunteers do in the community. Explore our articles to enhance your gardening skills, and you can always return to our main website for comprehensive resources, upcoming events, and ways to connect with UC Master Gardeners in your county.

Seed tray filled with seeds and a light hanging above.

Five Common Seed-Starting Mistakes — and How to Avoid Them

March 6, 2026
By Barbra Braaten
 For many people, starting seeds indoors feels like the true beginning of gardening season. Tiny green sprouts on a windowsill promise tomatoes, peppers, and flowers in the months ahead.But growing plants from seed is also where many beginners get discouraged.If your young plants have ever looked tall…
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UC Master Gardener standing happily in a education booth display at a county fair, surrounded by learning material.

Learn, Grow, and Connect through Your Local UC Master Gardener Program

January 27, 2026
By Lauren L Snowden
Whether you want to plant your first tomato or fine-tune a long-established garden, the UC Master Gardener Program is for you.  Across California, you will find that the UC Master Gardener Program offers opportunities for gardeners of all experience levels to learn, ask questions, and grow their skills…
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A diverse group of people wearing jackets and backpacks stand side by side with their arms around each other, facing a lake surrounded by evergreen trees.

It Takes a Village: Managing Invasive Pests in California

January 26, 2026
By Lindsey Hack
Because California is a major hub for commerce and tourism, many non-native organisms, especially plants, insects, and other animals, are brought into our state every day, either accidently or on purpose. Most of them are harmless, but some are invasive species that have negative impact on the…
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California coast line

When Ornamentals Escape

January 12, 2026
By Cherie Shook
You might be surprised to learn that a few of your favorite ornamental plants are invasive to California and can “escape” your yard causing big problems in the wild. When plants escape landscape and garden boundaries, it is often due to seed distribution or aggressive roots. An invasive plant species can…
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