Under the Solano Sun

golden yellow sunflower highlighted in a field of sunflowers against the blue sky

Seasonal observations by UC Master Gardeners of Solano County

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view of the earth
Under the Solano Sun: Article

Gardening Challenges

August 12, 2025
Blog Article by Lorenza Gibson Seasons come and go. As gardeners, we’re constantly racing against time, always at the mercy of changing conditions. With climate change*, the seasons we once thought we could rely on no longer follow predictable patterns. Winters may stretch longer or feel unexpectedly…
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gray and white cat on a rug with a spot of blood on his paw
Under the Solano Sun: Article

Nature’s Velcro®

August 11, 2025
Blog by Brenda Altman Snugs came into the house one afternoon with a boo-boo on his left paw. There was a speck of blood, but it turned out to be nothing. Since he was already in my hands, I started to groom him and found these small seeds attached to his body! Snugs, the gardener, is spreading seeds to…
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close up of a chicken with a bunch of feathers on its head
Under the Solano Sun: Article

Chicken Care and Herbs

August 7, 2025
Blog by Peter WilsonI began the Wilson Flock of Cluckers after a family reunion in Kauai, HI, in July of 2013. By August, I had baby chicks arriving. I began researching the best way to raise chickens naturally. I…
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white star magnolia flower
Under the Solano Sun: Article

Thoughts from Weedy Acres

August 6, 2025
Blog by Betsy BuxtonIt’s been a while since I last wrote from Weedy Acres, and I hope you remember me.  The wind is still blowing and the weeds are still thriving, BUT something new!  As I looked out the window for inspiration, what should I spot but a bloom on my Star magnolia (Magnolia stellata)!…
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Carosello cucumber on the vine
Under the Solano Sun: Article

When is a Cucumber Not a Cucumber?

August 5, 2025
Blog by Melinda NestlerodeLast year, I was fortunate to attend a presentation by Jay Tracy of The Cucumber Shop, who gave each of the attendees a packet of 24 cucumber seeds. I chose a packet labeled “Carosello Leccese Striped”, because Jay said it was his all-time favorite cucumber. That meant a lot coming…
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