- Author: Judy Quan
Container gardening is enticing. We love the option to grow plants where space and sunlight might otherwise limit our choices. Most perennials, shrubs and trees are better off planted in the ground, but, with care, we can maintain our larger woody plants in containers.
Container plants need more monitoring
We must carefully monitor and nurture our container plants since nutrients and water are confined to what is available in the container. Woody plants such as trees and shrubs need larger containers and more care over the years since they have larger root systems than most annuals and perennials.
The importance of repotting
The periodic repotting...
/h2>/h2>- Author: Janet Hartin
European Flower Boxes Provide Beauty and a Welcoming Ambiance. Many European countries pride themselves on colorful displays of geraniums, ivy, and other flowers adorning window planters of hotels, restaurants, and even train stations. I had always marveled at their use, particularly by Austrians and Germans whose love of these colorful planters seems equal to their affinity for weiner schnitzel. What a surprise to find them plentiful in Ireland, as well! As I walked through Dublin (Read More) the last few days I noted the great care that...
By T. Eric Nightingale, U.C. Master Gardener of Napa County
Gardening and a love for nature is on the rise these days. Many people I know would like to garden more but believe they can't because they live in an apartment or have only a small yard. That's not so. While they may not be able to have massive oaks or cultivate long rows of tomatoes, there are still many ways to grow plants.
The first task in any small space, be it a balcony or yard, is to understand the microclimate. Small yards are often protected from the elements by overhanging roofs and fences, while balconies may be more exposed to wind and rain. Study where sunlight hits your growing space. Spend a day at home watching the...
It's mid August. For avid gardeners this means tiptoeing over tangled watermelon and winter squash vines and arms stained green up to the elbows from reaching into crowded tomato cages. As the temperature rises, it seems like there's just no stopping the veggies. Even gardeners with ample growing space are starting to feel the squeeze around this time of the year. If only I had one more garden plot…one more patio pot. So much food to grow, never enough space. Boo hoo. I think it's time to grow up.
No, wait, I didn't mean it like that. Well, yes it's true that I'm not a big fan of complaining. But I'm all about being resourceful. So your patio isn't big enough. Or maybe you just overplanted your...
Food Day is a nationwide celebration and a movement for healthy, affordable and sustainable food. This year the focus of Food Day in Napa County is food education, and the U.C. Master Gardeners of Napa County will once again participate.
On Saturday, October 25, from 8:00 a.m. until 12:30 p.m., we will be joining many other nonprofit organizations at the Napa Farmers' Market for a health and wellness fair. Exhibitors will showcase the importance of fresh, local and sustainable food production and consumption; offer local resources related to health and wellness; and provide information on sustainable farming.
Napa County residents are probably most familiar with Master Gardeners through our help desks, workshops, tomato...