- Author: Melissa G. Womack
- Author: Missy Gable
- Posted by: Lauren Fordyce
[Originally published on the UC Master Gardener Program Statewide Blog on January 10, 2023]
Proper irrigation and drainage are critically important for the health of plants and trees. But what happens when Mother Nature throws an atmospheric river curveball, and your yard or garden is now under water from heavy rains or floods?
Good garden soil contains a network of pore spaces filled with water and air. Both are necessary for healthy roots and beneficial soil-dwelling organisms. When the pore spaces fill with water, air is...
- Author: Lauren Snowden
- Posted by: Elaine Lander
Originally posted on the UC Master Gardener Program Statewide Blog
During the holiday season many plants, cut flowers and flowering bulbs are used as decoration and given as gifts. Many of these items can be poisonous to both humans and pets with long-term negative effects to one's health. Plant poisoning can range from simple rashes and blisters all the way to organ damage and in severe cases death. Be safe this holiday season by being mindful of what plants and flowers you are either giving, receiving or decorating...
- Author: Lauren Snowden
- Editor: Melissa G. Womack
![Tomato leaf roll. [R. Wallace agrilife.org]](https://ucanr.edu/blogs/UCIPMurbanpests/blogfiles/37508small.jpg)
From the UC Master Gardener Statewide Blog
The tomato is one of the most versatile and rewarding plants to grow in a summer edible garden. According to a 2014 study by the National Gardening Association, 86 percent of homes with vegetable gardens grow tomatoes. It's understandable that the tomato plant is a popular home vegetable garden staple, tomatoes offer thousands of different varieties options and flavors. Plus, nothing beats the flavor of a ripe tomato straight from the garden!
When properly cared for, a single tomato plant can produce 10 to 15 pounds (4.5 to 6.8 kg) or more of fruit. If tomato yields aren't what was...
Are you busy on Thursday, January 28? Are you a retail nursery/garden center employee, Master Gardener, or someone interested in learning more about garden pests in southern California?
If so, join us for a one-day, jam-packed IPM workshop covering invasive pests, Asian citrus psyllids, less toxic pesticides, abiotic disorders, and UC IPM resources.
The workshop is open to all but you must preregister. The cost is only $40 and includes breakfast, lunch, and many great take-home materials.
Don't wait! Register today!
See the full agenda, location, and registration form at
- Author: Jeannette E. Warnert
Weeds don't just look unsightly, they also rob other plants of water, says a UC Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) expert in a new water conservation video released today.
Any loss of water is a concern as California's fourth summer of drought comes to a close. Missy Gable, director of the UC Master Gardener Program, suggests removing weeds so they won't compete with ornamental plants or edible vegetables.
If weeds are scattered throughout your yard and mixed in with plants, hand-weeding is probably the best eradication method. Cultivation can damage ornamentals with shallow roots, bring weed seeds to...
