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.

A drought tolerate landscape.

Making Every Drop Count with Water-Efficient Landscaping

July 21, 2026
By Kristian M Salgado-Jacobo
As UC Master Gardener volunteer Lynne Coffman often explains during her presentations on water-efficient landscape design, "Water-efficient landscaping is more than replacing a lawn with gravel." Instead, it involves designing gardens that work with your environment by selecting climate-appropriate plants,…
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A wooden raised garden bed filled with lush rainbow chard plants.
UC Master Gardener Program Statewide Blog: Article

Growing Gardens and Communities: How Jardineros is Cultivating Connection in Contra Costa County

June 18, 2026
By Katherine Uhde
A garden can do a lot more than grow food. It can help someone heal, learn a new skill, or find a sense of purpose. That spirit is at the heart of Jardineros, an innovative outreach project led by the UC Master Gardener Program of Contra Costa County.  Jardineros launched in 2020, when UC Master…
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Front gate to a children's garden with a scarecrow in the foreground

Restoring the Children’s Garden, Expanding Student Access

April 20, 2026
By Katherine Uhde
 Picture this: it's 9 a.m. on a weekday morning, and a school bus arrives carrying students eager for a day outside the classroom. As they step off the bus, they are welcomed by fresh air, delightful smells and colorful plants. They are greeted by the smiles of UC Master Gardener volunteers ready to…
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Group of volunteers working in the garden
UC Master Gardener Program Statewide Blog: Article

Volunteers Reimagined Garden Education in Butte County. Now It Reaches Thousands.

April 14, 2026
By Barbra Braaten
 In classrooms across Butte County, UC Master Gardener volunteers were helping students plant seeds, dig in the soil and ask questions about the world around them. The work was meaningful, but it also revealed a challenge: There was not enough time to reach every student in a lasting way.At the same…
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