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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snugs the black and white cat chomping on garlic bulb

Get a (Cabbage) Head Start on Winter!

October 6, 2025
Blog by Brenda AltmanWhat winter already? Don’t leave that garden empty. Plant winter crops now.  Pick up USDA organic plants at the Solano Community College (SCC) plant sale, October 8 and 9, from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm.  Plants are hardened and ready to be planted directly into your garden…
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dark purple flowers surrounded by lime colored caylexes on salvia limelight

Dazzling Limelight

October 2, 2025
Blog by Patricia Matteson When I turned a corner in the Mendocino Coast Botanical Garden in late July and found myself facing this blooming plant, the sight stopped me in my tracks! The striking contrast between the chartreuse calyxes and the electric blue blossoms blew me away. I immediately…
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yellow blooming dahlia and a dahlia bud

Plant Nerd Journal Profile: Dahlias

October 2, 2025
Article by Patricia MattesonWhy: I want to find a perennial to plant through a freesia bed that is nothing but unsightly dry leaves from April to November. Preferably something with the opposite growing/flowering season. The plants must be low, because they will be growing below an espaliered cherry tree. I…
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leafy greens in a six pack

No Need to Turn in your Trowel in Winter

October 1, 2025
Article by Patti BrantleyWhen summer vegetables fade, many people think gardening has to stop. In fact, the cooler months are an ideal time to grow leafy greens. Plants like lettuce, spinach, bok choy, and chard not only tolerate lower temperatures but also often taste better. Cooler weather slows bolting,…
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cinnamon sticks

You Can Grow Cinnamon in Solano County?!

October 1, 2025
Article by Vincent HughesDo you enjoy cooking or baking with cinnamon? Do you enjoy mixing it with drinks like apple cider? Then let me be the first to share with you that you can grow cinnamon right here in Solano County, in your own backyard! Cinnamon verum (or C. zeylanicum), known as “Ceylon…
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