- Author: Anne E Schellman
Summer and Fall Events, 2019
Ready to learn about local pollinators and how to welcome them to your garden? Take our Attracting Pollinators to your Backyard class this Thursday, September 5, 2019 from 6:00-7:30 p.m. USDA Scientist Kathryn Prince will introduce common native pollinator bees and butterflies found in our area and which plants they prefer. You'll also receive free milkweed and other wildflower seeds! Voluntary $2 donation asked. Sign up at ucanr.edu/pollinators/2019
Seed Saving Workshop Sept 19
Join us Thursday, September 19, 2019 from 6:00-7:30 p.m. for a fun evening on saving vegetable seeds. Learn which seeds can be saved and how best to save them. There will be a hands-on portion, and afterwards you'll take home a mason jar full of heirloom tomato seeds, as well as seed packets of other heirloom vegetables. Cost is $5. Sign ups coming soon!
Vegetable Gardening for Absolute Beginners Oct 17
You asked, we answered! Several community residents reached out to us requesting a class about the “basics” of vegetable gardening. Comments included wanting to learn more about:
- How to identify your soil type
- How often to water and why
- Making your garden water efficient
- Which vegetables to plant and when
This free class will be held on a Thursday evening from 6:00-7:30 p.m. Participants will receive free a set of cool and warm season vegetable seeds.
Succulent Gardening Workshop Oct 26
Curious to know more about succulents? On Saturday, October 26, 2019 we're holding a morning workshop all about these colorful plants! You'll learn about different varieties and how to grow and propagate them. We'll also design a succulent garden box together. You'll take home plenty of cuttings to decorate your landscape!
Stay tuned for more information. This workshop is limited to 30 participants, so make sure to sign up as soon as you see it advertised to hold your space!
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These four events will be held at the Agricultural Center in Modesto in Harvest Hall in rooms D&E.
- Author: Anne E Schellman
The University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE) Master Gardeners of Stanislaus County are teaching a free Managing Pests in Your Vegetable Garden class on Thursday, July 18, 2019 from 6:00-7:30 p.m. at the Agriculture Center on 3800 Cornucopia Way in Modesto at Harvest Hall, Rooms D&E.
Join us for a free class about common pests that plague warm-season vegetable gardens. Learn how to identify insects, diseases, and weeds and how to control them using less-toxic methods.
This family-friendly class is open to everyone. Participants will receive free seeds (while supplies last). Our instructor for the class is Ed Perry, Environmental Horticulture Advisor (emeritus) for Stanislaus County. This class is free, but please visit http://ucanr.edu/vegpests2019 or call Anne Schellman at (209) 525-6862 to sign up. Space is limited, so please reserve your seat today.
If you haven't already, please “like” us on Facebook and Twitter @UCMGStanislaus so you never miss an announcement for a class or workshop.
- Author: Ed Perry
Aphids are a common garden pest in spring and are attracted to new, succulent plant growth. This year, heavy aphid infestations can already be found on roses and fruit trees.
Aphids often first show up along the edges of the garden. Many species infest the undersides of leaves first, so turn leaves over while looking for aphids. On some plant species, especially plum and apple trees, aphid feeding causes the leaves to curl. Once this happens, it's harder to obtain control because the curled leaves protect the pests from natural enemies or sprays.
When you find aphids, check for evidence of natural enemies like lady beetles, lacewings, syrphid fly larvae, and the mummified skins of parasitized aphids. Learn to recognize aphid “mummies,” as they indicate the presence of tiny parasitic wasps that lay eggs inside the aphids. The wasp larva hatches and feeds inside the aphid, killing it. The skin of dead aphids turns crusty and golden brown or black, a form called a mummy. Not long after, the adult wasp chews an exit hole and emerges from the aphid's body. During warm weather, parasitic wasps may have several generations and cause a rapid decline in aphid populations.
There are fungus diseases that infect aphids, especially when it's warm and humid. Entire populations of aphids may be killed when conditions are right. While aphids thrive under mild temperatures, populations of many species are reduced by hot summer weather conditions. If you have any of these natural controls at work, the aphid population may crash rapidly.
You may be able to control aphids in your trees by controlling ants. If large numbers of ants are seen climbing up and down tree trunks, it may mean an aphid infestation. Ants are attracted to the honeydew produced by the aphids. If you plan to use pesticides for ant control, first seek out and treat the ants' nests in the ground near the tree. Or, place sticky barriers around the tree trunk to keep the ants from reaching the aphids. Unprotected by the ants, the aphids may then be attacked by natural enemies.
You can help prevent aphid infestations, especially in vegetables, by removing weeds where aphids may be building up. Also, check transplants for aphids and remove them before planting. If you notice a few curled leaves on your fruit trees, the best control may be to simply prune out and dispose of the infested shoots and leaves.
- Author: Anne E Schellman
On Thursday, February 7, the University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE) Stanislaus County Master Gardeners held their very first class. The topic was spring vegetable gardening. UCCE Master Gardener Royce Rhoads discussed how to tell if your seeds are still “good,” what supplies are needed to start vegetable seeds indoors, and what vegetable seeds to plant outdoors.
We were excited to have 64 people attend our first event! Feedback from participants included:
- Thanks for the opportunity to attend and learn some basics.
- Appreciated the clear and concise information.
- This program is off to a great start and will be a real asset to our community!
If you couldn't make the class, you can download our free Vegetable Gardening Guide. It has step-by-step information on preparing garden beds, proper irrigation, dealing with pests and diseases, and a guide to which vegetable crops you can grow in our area and tips for growing them. You can also contact the UCCE Master Gardeners with your questions by calling (209) 525-6800 or sending an email to ucmgstanislaus@ucanr.edu.
Never miss a class! Stay in touch by subscribing to our newsletter blog, The Stanislaus Sprout. Look for the word "subscribe" on the top right-hand corner of the page. Add your name to receive gardening and pest management tips, as well as announcements for future classes and workshops.
The University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE) Master Gardeners of Stanislaus County are holding a free Spring Gardening Class on Thursday, February 7, 2019 from 6:00-7:30 p.m. at the Agriculture Center on 3800 Cornucopia Way in Modesto at Harvest Hall, Rooms D&E.
Come learn which vegetables to plant and when to start seeds indoors for spring planting. Examples of vegetables we will talk about include:
- Beets
- Broccoli
- Cabbage
- Carrots
- Peppers
- Tomatoes
And many more! This class is free, but please visit http://ucanr.edu/spring2019 or call Anne Schellman at (209) 525-6862 to sign up. Space is limited, so please reserve your seat today.
This family-friendly class is open to everyone. Participants will receive free seeds (while supplies last). There is plenty of parking around Harvest Hall, but please come early if you've never been to our site. There will be signs to direct you to the classroom.
If you aren't already, please follow us on Facebook or Twitter @UCCEMGStanislaus.
