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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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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heart-shaped leaves on a plant in a kitchen window

Hoya

September 29, 2025
Blog by Jenni DodiniFor those of you who have read my blogs before, you know that the first thing that I MUST do when telling the story of a new plant is to blame Toni. It seems that whenever we have an outing to practically anywhere, I come home with a plant that I know absolutely nothing about. …
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bright yellow korean melons in a market

Korean Seeds

September 24, 2025
Blog by Tina SaraviaI get excited when I see new fruit and vegetables at the grocery stores. Sometimes, I will buy them to sample; most often, I will find seeds to see if I can grow them. Imagine my excitement when I was in Santa Clara recently, and across the street from our hotel was a Korean…
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