- Author: Anne E Schellman
March 20 is the first day of spring for 2021. After this date, there is less of a chance of frost which can damage vegetable plants like tomatoes. Many vegetables prefer warm soil temperatures, and may “sulk” during cool weather.
You don't have to plant early to get the first tomato in your neighborhood. Many vegetables work well planted in April and still have plenty of time to produce.
We hope you will join our Master Gardeners for an evening talking all about how to have a successful vegetable garden.
Where*: On Zoom. You will receive a link the morning of the class.
When: Tuesday, March 23, 2021 6:00-7:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
Register at: http://ucanr.edu/spring/veg/gardening/2021
Instructors: Heidi Aufdermaur & Johnny Mullins
- Author: Terry Pellegrini
Planning your garden now, I feel, will save you headaches and money, come spring. By taking the time to understand how much space you have (or don't have), whether or not you wish to plant directly in ground or containers, or a combination thereof, and what types of plants grow best in your area, you'll only purchase what you need. In addition, you can decide whether or not you wish to devote the time to starting your seeds indoors or in a greenhouse, plant the seeds directly in the garden beds, or if transplants are the way you wish to go.
If you are thinking of planting spring veggies, take under consideration what you and your family will actually eat. If the kids detest string beans, then planting a huge area full of them is probably not a good use of the space, your time, or money. However, if zucchini is something you eat frequently, then two mounds may serve you better than one.
Now is also a good time to get control of any weeds in your proposed planting areas. Removing any weeds now, before the weather gets warmer and they decide to seed, means less work for you come spring and summer. I like to get down, move the soil with a trowel, and pull out any stray roots or seeds that I see. You may even find grubs and larvae of Hoplia beetles that you can remove, saving your precious roses and flowers this spring.
Many of us reuse our favorite pots and containers year after year. As such, these pots will need some TLC and prep as well. All the old soil will need to be removed and the pot cleaned with a solution of one-part bleach to nine parts water. Submerge in solution and soak for at least 10 minutes. This sterilizes them, removing any insects or diseases from the previous plant in the pot.
Planning and prepping your garden now for your spring planting will give you that head start to a successful, satisfying, and fun gardening adventure. So, get out your seed catalogs, notebook, and take a walk in your yard or garden space, and imagine all the possibilities. Happy Gardening!
- Author: Lisa Cherenson
Fields of weeds abound
Challenge faced with sturdy hoe
Sweat, aching back-Spring!
Purple hues, blue sky
Buzzing bees laboring-gentle hum
Soul food-Lavender!
Lisa Cherenson is a graduate of the 2019 Class of Master Gardeners in Stanislaus County.
- Author: Anne E Schellman
How can I watch the presentation live?
Download zoom to your device and create an account. If you are new to Zoom, we recommend watching these helpful videos to be prepared ahead of time for the class.
- How to create an account and download zoom. https://youtu.be/qsy2Ph6kSf8?t=33
- Test out zoom's audio controls to make sure you can hear*: https://youtu.be/HqncX7RE0wM
- How to join a meeting.https://youtu.be/hIkCmbvAHQQ
- Download Zoom at https://zoom.us/download
I don't have Zoom
If you can't watch the presentation live, you can still see it later! We are working on creating a brand-new YouTube Channel. When the video is ready, we will upload it to Youtube and post about it. The video will include closed captioning* so all viewers can be sure to have the information.
I wish I had the presentation so I could take notes!
Not a problem! We will send a pdf of the presentation to everyone who signs up. You can either print it or keep it as a reference on your computer.
Sign up by Wednesday, April 15 at 4 p.m.
Please sign up for our class by visiting our Classes and Workshops page. You will receive an email with the Zoom link. After 4 p.m., it will be too late to acquire this link.
- 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.