- (Focus Area) Yard & Garden
Redbuds in bloom are a most welcome harbinger of spring. Their dense clusters of magenta flowers bloom early, providing splashes of color against a winter landscape of browns and grays. Is the name redbud really the best our ancestors could come up with for this beautiful tree? How could they call that color “red”? Even Wikipedia manages a more accurate “pink to purple.” Other sources are more specific, identifying the brilliant flora as bright pink, rosy pink, magenta, or reddish purple.
Cercis occidentalis is native to the arid western states. It is commonly known asWestern or California redbud, and sometimes Arizona redbud. Occidentem is Latin for “western sky” or “part of the sky in which the sun sets,” derived from the Latin verb occido – “go down, set.” The Occident is the longitudinal opposite of the Orient, and many species from China and other eastern regions are termed orientalis. Somewhere along the line, C. occidentalis acquired the second or synonymous binomial C. orbiculatum. Orbiculate translates naturally enough as round or circular in shape (in this case, in reference to the redbud's leaves). And if you are thinking now of Judas Tree as a common name, that belongs to the Eastern redbud. (Interestingly, the Latin name of the Eastern redbud is C. canadensis. And yes, you guessed it: canadensis is used in taxonomy to denote species indigenous to or strongly associated with Canada).
A hardy plant, the redbud is drought tolerant, sun-loving, and successful in a variety of soils. Typically, it prefers rather harsh environments with marginal, well-drained soils. It grows best in chaparral ecosystems below 4,000 feet in elevation, and prefers canyon walls and other steep slopes. It can also be found in gravely and rocky soils along streams above their flood zone. Western redbud tolerates some seasonal water and will grow in the bottom of ephemeral streambeds in little pockets, as well as on foothill benches, or tucked into crannies created by boulder outcroppings.
Western redbud is a popular landscape tree on the valley floor precisely because of its impressive beauty, which isn't restricted to eye-catching floral displays. The rounded, heart-shaped leaves are a silky combination of copper and green when they first emerge, darkening to various shades of green, gray-green, or blue-green. According to the USDA, the Western redbud's “autumn display of yellow turning to red and brown rival that of some eastern hardwoods.” This plant sets its fruit in the form of thin dry seed pods in autumn. Each pod contains about seven hard, bean-like seeds. As they ripen, the pods change in color from purple to russet brown. (On some redbuds, the mature pods hang on the branches into the next winter.) Once the redbud has shed itself of leaves and pods, the bare branches provide winter beauty as a silver-gray silhouette.
The straight, pliable, burgundy-colored young shoots of the California redbud were prized by native basket weavers. Designs were woven into baskets with redbud shoots, and a faint reddish dye derived from the bark was used to tint finished baskets. To ensure a reliable supply of this valued material, California tribes regularly burned hillsides in the fall, after the redbuds had shed their leaves. Prior to European settlement, the western Mono, foothill Yokuts, and Miwok Native Americans of the central and southern Sierra Nevada foothills set autumn fires at intervals of one to several years to encourage sprouting. Today's basket artists prune the shrubs to encourage the new growth.
This beautiful and hardy native shrub is nowhere near as dull and plodding as its common name implies. While the redbud makes year-round contributions to the landscape, the Arbor Day Foundation correctly notes that “the sheer springtime beauty of the redbud may be its greatest hold on the American spirit.”
UC Master Gardeners of Butte County are part of the University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE) system. To learn more about us and our upcoming events, and for help with gardening in our area visit our website. If you have a gardening question or problem, email the Hotline at mgbutte@ucanr.edu or leave a phone message on our Hotline at 530-552-5812. To speak to a Master Gardener about a gardening issue, or to drop by the MG office during Hotline hours, see the most current information on our Ask Us section of our website.
- Author: Denise Godbout-Avant
Pollinators receive food in the form of nectar (source of sugar) or pollen (source of protein, fat, and other nutrients). In the process of moving from flower to flower to feed, pollinators disperse pollen grains among plants of the same species, enabling the plants to reproduce. Flowers have evolved over long periods of time into many colors, shapes and scents to attract their pollinators, thus creating a mutually beneficial relationship.
The Pollinators
While bees are the primary pollinators, other insects including butterflies, moths, flies, beetles, wasps, some birds such as hummingbirds, and bats also play important roles.
Honeybees & Native Bees
Honeybees (genus Apis) are the bees we are most familiar with. However, honeybees are just one species of a very diverse group with over 20,000 species worldwide, 4,000 species in the USA and 1,600 in California. Native bees come in a variety of shapes, colors, sizes and lifestyles that make them very efficient pollinators. Unlike honeybees and bumblebees, which are social bees living in colonies, native bees are solitary with 70 percent nesting in the ground with the rest nesting in wood and plant stems.
Butterflies
Butterflies are daytime flying insects who often have gorgeous colorful wings. Their larvae sometimes require a specific plant to feed on, though most adults will get their nectar from many plants.
Moths
Moths are mostly evening and nighttime fliers, though some are out in the late afternoon or early morning. They are attracted to sweet-smelling flowers. Less colorful than butterflies, they are easily differentiated from butterflies by their “feathery” antennae.
Flies
Flies are not generally thought of as pollinators, however many are, particularly hover flies (family Syrphidae) and bee flies (family Bombyliidae), both of which are generalist pollinators. Generalist pollinators visit a wide range of plants, making them important inhabitants of gardens and fields.
Beetles
Beetles are a large group, with up to 28,000 species in the USA. Most beetles are not pollinators, but some do visit flowers for nectar or pollen and help fertilize some flowering plants, particularly magnolias.
Wasps
Hummingbirds
Hummingbirds are the most prominent pollinating birds in the Americas. With their long beaks, they can reach deep into flowers while sipping nectar. In addition to nectar, they also forage on insects and spiders.
Bats
Bats are nocturnal pollinators that play an important role in pollinating cacti and agave, as well as many tropical and subtropical plants including bananas, avocados, century plants and cashews. Species such as Mexican long-nose bat (Leptonycteris nivalis) have evolved heads and long tongues to access light-colored flowers which open at night, often producing abundant nectar and pollen.
How You Can Help Pollinators
Pollinators need a diversity of flowers with lots of nectar and pollen. They require easy access to flowers blooming throughout the seasons, particularly during late winter, early spring, and late autumn seasons when fewer flowers bloom. Different flower species provide differing amounts of nectar. Native plants generally provide more nutritious nectar for pollinators, so they attract more pollinators. Download the Xerces Society Recommended Plants for the Central Valley Region for a list of plants.
To help protect pollinators, if you choose to use a pesticide, select one that are less toxic, such as an insecticidal soap or oil. Avoid broad-spectrum sprays that kill numerous insects. Spray on non-windy days in the early morning or late evening when pollinators are not present. Use UC Integrated Pest Management for information on pests and pest management (https://ipm.ucanr.edu/).
Citations
- The Pollinator Partnership https://www.pollinator.org/
- Xerces Society book: Attracting Native Pollinators: https://xerces.org/publications/books/attracting-native-pollinators
- California Native Plant Society (CNPS) native planting guides: https://www.cnps.org/gardening/choosing-your-plants/native-planting-guides
Free Resources from University of California and your local UC Master Gardeners
- CA Friendly Friendly Garden Recipes https://anrcatalog.ucanr.edu/Details.aspx?itemNo=8518
- How to Attract and Maintain Pollinators in your Garden https://anrcatalog.ucanr.edu/Details.aspx?itemNo=8498
- UC Stanislaus County Master Gardener: Butterflies in Your Garden with list of plants that attract butterflies: https://ucanr.edu/sites/CEStanislausCo/files/345791.pdf
- Gardening for Pollinators and Diversity from UC Davis Arboretum: https://arboretum.ucdavis.edu/pollinator-gardening
- Bees in the Neighborhood: best practices for urban gardeners. https://anrcatalog.ucanr.edu/Details.aspx?itemNo=8596
Books and ID Cards for Purchase
Common Plants to Attract California Native Bees https://anrcatalog.ucanr.edu/Details.aspx?itemNo=3557
Want both cards? Bundle and save $10 at https://anrcatalog.ucanr.edu/Details.aspx?itemNo=3557BUN
Denise Godbout-Avant has been a UC Cooperative Extension Master Garden in Stanislaus County since 2020.
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- Author: James Farr
Soil testing is a helpful practice for gardeners aiming to achieve healthy plant growth and a bountiful harvest. Understanding the composition of your garden soil helps tailor gardening practices to meet the specific needs of your plants. This article provides an overview of laboratory soil testing, covering its importance, the key elements tested, how to collect a soil sample, and how to interpret the results.
Why Soil Testing is Important
Soil testing is valuable for several reasons:
- Nutrient Management: It provides detailed information about the nutrient content of the soil, enabling gardeners to apply the correct type and amount of fertilizer.
- pH Level Adjustment: Knowing the soil's pH level, which affects nutrient availability, allows gardeners to adjust it to the optimal range for their plants.
- Detecting Contaminants: Tests can reveal the presence of harmful contaminants like lead or other heavy metals, ensuring the safety of your garden produce.
- Cost Efficiency: By applying only the necessary fertilizers and amendments, gardeners can save money and prevent environmental pollution.
- Tailored Gardening Practices: Understanding soil health helps in making informed decisions, leading to better plant growth and yield.
- Troubleshoot Why Plants Aren't Thriving: If you've exhausted your attempts to amend soil with compost, a soil test can provide more detailed information to remedy the problem.
Key Elements Tested in Soil
A standard soil test can include analysis of the following elements:
- pH Level: Indicates the acidity or alkalinity of the soil.
- Macronutrients: Such as nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K), which are crucial for plant growth.
- Micronutrients: Including elements like iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), and zinc (Zn), which plants need in smaller amounts.
- Organic Matter Content: Affects soil structure, nutrient availability, and water retention.
- Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC): Reflects the soil's ability to hold onto essential nutrients.
Adobe Stock Photo License Asset #626138735Collecting a Soil Sample
![Placing soil sample in test tube Placing soil sample in test tube](http://ucanr.edu/blogs/mgalameda/blogfiles/107406.jpg)
To obtain accurate soil test results, most labs will have specific instructions to follow. In general, These are the steps for collecting a soil sample:
- Choose the Right Time: The best time for soil sampling is when the soil is moist but not wet, typically in the spring or fall.
- Select the Area: If your garden has distinct areas with different crops, soil types, or problem spots, sample each area separately.
- Collect the Sample: Use a clean tool to take small amounts of soil from several spots within the sampling area. Mix these samples in a clean container to create a composite sample.
- Depth of Sampling: For lawns and gardens, a depth of 6-8 inches is appropriate. For trees and shrubs, sample at a depth of 6-12 inches.
Adobe Stock Photo License Asset #287521242Interpreting Soil Test Results
![Soil samples shown in a lab setting Soil samples shown in a lab setting](http://ucanr.edu/blogs/mgalameda/blogfiles/107407.jpg)
Soil test results will provide detailed information about the elements mentioned above. Here's how to interpret some of the key findings:
- pH Level: Most garden plants thrive in a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. Values outside this range may require the application of lime (to raise pH) or sulfur (to lower pH).
- Nutrient Levels: The report will indicate whether nutrient levels are low, medium, high, or excessive. Low or medium levels suggest the need for supplementation, while high or excessive levels mean you should cut back on those nutrients.
- Recommendations: Most soil tests come with recommendations for amendments and fertilizers. Follow these guidelines to adjust nutrient levels and pH accordingly.
Soil testing is a powerful tool that empowers gardeners to make informed decisions about managing their garden soil. By understanding the specific needs of your soil, you can optimize plant health, improve yields, and contribute to the sustainability of your gardening practices. Whether you are a hobbyist or a professional gardener, soil testing is a practice that yields long-term benefits for your garden and the environment.
This blog post is brought to you by the Help Desk of the Master Gardeners of Alameda County. Subscribe to our blog!
Resources
- Cornell Guide to Soil Testing: https://cwmi.css.cornell.edu/guidetosoil.pdf
- University of California Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources – Soil Testing: https://ucanr.edu/sites/placernevadasmallfarms/files/142586.pdf
- UC Master Gardener Program of Alameda County: https://acmg.ucanr.edu/Over_the_Fence / Whats_In_Your_Soil/
- Soil 101: https://ucanr.edu/sites/soils/Soils_101/
- Soil Test Kits: https://ucanr.edu/sites/gardenweb/files/29075.pdf
- Evaluating and Testing Soil: https://marinmg.ucanr.edu/BASICS/SOIL_813/evaluate/
- Soil Health Testing: https://soilfertility.osu.edu/extension-and-outreach/soil-health-testing
Analytic Testing Laboratories for Home Gardeners
Soils, Water, Plants, Heavy Metals and More
- Contact the labs to confirm offered services, pricing and preferred procedures for sample collection.
- Testing labs vary in the types of available tests and recommendations they provide, if any. Be sure to ask for detailed information regarding tests, test fees and interpretation, and whether recommendations are included. Many of the websites provide supplemental information about tests and sampling.
- Resources regarding soils and soil testing:
A & L Western Laboratories, Inc. 1311 Woodland Avenue, Suite 1 Modesto, CA 95351 (209)529-4080 |
Test descriptions and fees available online.
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California Laboratory Services 3249 Fitgerald Road Rancho Cordova, CA 95742 (800) 638-7301 www.californialab.com |
Test descriptions and fees available online.
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Control Laboratories, Inc. 42 Hangar Way Watsonville, CA 95076 (831)724-5422 |
Test descriptions and fees available online under shipping info.
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Dellavalle Laboratory, Inc. 1910 W McKinley Ave., Ste. 110 Fresno, CA 93728 (800)228-9896 |
Test descriptions and fees available online. Call / email for fees.
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Fruit Growers Laboratory Inc 2500 Stagecoach Rd Stockton, CA 95215 (209) 942-0182 |
Test descriptions and fees available online.
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Harmony Farm Supply & Nursery 3244 Gravenstein Highway North Sebastapol, CA 95472 (707) 823-9125 |
Call for test availability, description and fees. https://www.harmonyfarm.com/services/
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Peaceful Valley Farm & Garden Supply 125 Clydesdale Court Grass Valley, CA 95945 (888)784-1722 |
Test descriptions and fees online.
Videos of explanation of professional soil testing & results: https://www.groworganic.com/organic-gardening/videos/ Professional soil testing: |
Perry Laboratory 424 Airport Blvd Watsonville, CA 95076 (831)722-7606 |
Test descriptions and fees available online.
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Wallace Laboratories 365 Coral Circle El Segundo, CA 90245 (310)615-0116 |
In-depth explanations of test descriptions and fees available online: http://us.wlabs.com/services/
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Waypoint Analytical, Inc. (formerly Soil and Plant Lab) 4741 E Hunter Ave Ste A Anaheim, CA 92807 (714) 282-8777 |
Test descriptions and fees available online: Some videos: http://www.waypointanalytical.com/Videos
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Have a gardening question? We'll help. You can reach us by:
- Emailing acmg@ucanr.edu. Please include a photo of the problem, if you can, plus your name, phone number, city and a description of the problem.
- Using our online form.
- By phone, during our office hours, 10 am to noon Wednesday and 11 am to 1 pm Thursday: 510-670-5645. At other times, please leave a message and we'll return your call during our office hours.
- In person at our Hayward office, during our office hours, only by appointment.
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Rats can contaminate our food, damage structures, and spread diseases. To help residents and urban pest professionals safely and effectively manage rats, UC IPM has updated the Pest Notes: Rats publication. This revised fact sheet is authored by UC Cooperative Extension Human-Wildlife Conflicts advisor Dr. Niamh Quinn, a recognized expert in urban rat management. Updates include additional information on rat damage, specific sanitation tactics for both Norway and roof rats, tips for rodent-proofing your home, and new illustrations to clearly show correct placement of traps. Rules and regulations regarding rodenticide use in California are constantly changing, so up-to-date information about rodenticides are summarized in tables including their availability to residents and licensed professionals.
Visit Pest Notes: Rats to learn more and register for our November webinar on rat management!
- Author: Kathy Keatley Garvey
Bees, butterflies, beetles, birds and bats.
What do they have in common? Skipping the alliteration for a moment, they're all pollinators.
Honey bees grab the most attention, of course, and they do the bulk of the work. But so do bumble bees and other native bees.
But other pollinators include moths, hummingbirds, wasps and flies (especially the syrphid flies, aka hover flies or flower flies often mistaken for honey bees by the untrained eye.)
The National Park Service describes pollination as "anything that helps carry pollen from the male part of the flower (stamen) to the female part of the same or another flower (stigma). The movement of pollen must occur for the plant to become fertilized and produce fruits, seeds, and young plants. Some plants are self-pollinating, while others may be fertilized by pollen carried by wind or water. Still, other flowers are pollinated by insects and animals - such as bees, wasps, moths, butterflies, birds, flies and small mammals, including bats."
"At least 75 percent of all the flowering plants on earth are pollinated by insects and animals," they point out on their website. "This amounts to more than 1,200 food crops and 180,000 different types of plants—plants which help stabilize our soils, clean our air, supply oxygen, and support wildlife."
One pollinator that absolutely takes our breath away is the Western tiger swallowtail, Papilio rutulus, especially when it touches down on the colorful Mexican sunflower, Tithonia rotundifola, and begins to nectar.
If you're lucky, you'll see different species sharing the same blossom.
![A Western tiger swallowtail, Papilio rutulus, touches down on a Mexican sunflower, Tithonia rotundifola. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey) A Western tiger swallowtail, Papilio rutulus, touches down on a Mexican sunflower, Tithonia rotundifola. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)](/blogs/blogcore/blogfiles/107395.jpg)
![The soldier beetle (family Cantharida) is also a pollinator. This insect resembles the uniforms of the British soldiers of the American Revolution. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey) The soldier beetle (family Cantharida) is also a pollinator. This insect resembles the uniforms of the British soldiers of the American Revolution. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)](/blogs/blogcore/blogfiles/107396.jpg)
![A honey bee, Apis mellifera, and a Western yellowjacket, Vespula penslvanica, sharing a rose. Both are pollinators. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey) A honey bee, Apis mellifera, and a Western yellowjacket, Vespula penslvanica, sharing a rose. Both are pollinators. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)](/blogs/blogcore/blogfiles/107397.jpg)
![A honey bee, Apis mellifera, and a bumble bee, Bombus vosnesenskii, sharing a purple cone flower, Echinacea purpurea. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey) A honey bee, Apis mellifera, and a bumble bee, Bombus vosnesenskii, sharing a purple cone flower, Echinacea purpurea. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)](/blogs/blogcore/blogfiles/107400.jpg)