- Author: Andrea Giacoletti
- Editor: Noni Todd
By Andrea Giacoletti
October 21, 2013
The Monarch’s are coming! The Monarch’s are coming!
Yes, it’s that time again. October marks the descent of the Monarch butterfly to the treetops of the Central Coast. The Rita Hayworth of butterflies, the Monarch is neither wallflower nor homebody. Traveling from as far north as Canada and as far south as South America, the monarch graces the coast with a dramatic display, staying for a good portion of the year as it overwinters in great colonies that defy gravity and personal space.
The quickest of the “flight” flutter in during October in search of an overwintering site. No vacancy signs appear by mid-November as the Monarch begins the official hibernation period. The advent of spring encourages mating behavior. The female is first to leave in search of the precious milkweed plant (Asciepias species) where she lays her eggs.
The Monarch caterpillar is a picky eater dining solely on the milkweed plant. Some may call him a snob, but it is his discerning palate that serves as a defense for the entire species. Milkweed contains a chemical that is poisonous to predators. And we all know how caterpillars are – voracious. Camouflage is not the Monarch’s cup of tea. Instead, this species employs aposematism, which is a perceivable defense mechanism, such as color, smell or odor that benefits both predator and prey by getting straight to the point. The Monarch butterfly’s orange color warns predators that they are far from a tasty snack. This strategy is the opposite of crypsis, which is a form of camouflage cleverly seen in insects such as stick bugs, which not only alter their color, but are capable of mimicking a stick, even swaying in the wind as a small branch would.
It is a disheartening state of affairs that the number of Monarch butterflies has significantly dropped over the years. Reductions of habitat and food sources are among the causes of decreased numbers. You can do your part by adopting IPM strategies and limiting the use of pesticides in your garden.
Various locations in the central coast attract the Monarch butterfly, but the premier spot for viewing is at the Pismo Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove. Located in Oceano, the eucalyptus grove at the Pismo State Beach North Campground is one of the largest single sites in California.
A mobile trailer has information, gifts, educational material, and docents to answer questions. There is no fee. Visit http://www.monarchbutterfly.org/ for more info.
Upcoming Events
Public Welcome!
Now Accepting New Applicants!
Join us for the UCCE Master Gardeners Information OPEN HOUSE to learn how to become a Certified Master Gardener.
October 31, 2013
1:00-2:30 - Master Gardeners will explain the training and certification process and answer all your questions.
2:30-4:00 - Master Gardeners will lead a walk through the demonstration garden and answer any additional questions you have.
Master Gardeners are trained volunteers that extend science-based gardening information from the University of California to the public. The Master Gardener’s role is that of an educator.
- Author: Lee Oliphant
- Editor: Noni Todd
Keep Those Vegetable Coming
By Lee Oliphant Master Gardener
My vegetables are going to seed. I’d like to use the space to grow some edibles during the winter. Any suggestions? Beverly D., Cambria.
When you’ve harvested summer vegetables, cleaned up your bed, and replenished your soil with lots of compost, it’s time to plant “cool-season” vegetables. Cool-season vegetables grow during the shorter days of autumn. Planted now, you’ll have produce to eat in late fall, winter, and early spring.
Onions and garlic are easiest to grow in beds or among ornamentals. Clip a few of the green tops in the winter to use whenever green onions, or scallions, are called for in recipes. In the spring, you’ll have tender, sweet spring onions. In summer you’ll enjoy mature onions and garlic.
Easy-to-grow vegetables to plant now include beets, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, chard, kale, lettuces, leeks, peas, radishes and spinach. But that’s not all. Arugula, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, celery, Chinese cabbage, collards, endive, fennel, parsnips, salad greens and turnips also grow in cooler months. Asparagus and rhubarb love our cool climate and potatoes are a fun project for children to grow and harvest.
The popular kale takes time to mature but will last through winter from a single sowing in the fall. Tendergreen mustard spinach can also be harvested throughout the winter with some successive plantings between now and December.
Peas are easy to grow. Just a handful adds so much to fall salads and cooked dishes. If you have vertical space, try Oregon Sugar Pod for large edible pods.
In the cooler areas of the county, think about setting up coldframes or hoop houses to protect tender winter-growing vegetables.
Calling all school gardeners to come together to harvest lessons and ideas from one another about how to sustain gardening programs, volunteer teams, facilities, budgets and curriculum. If you work in a school garden, volunteer or teacher, please join the Master Gardeners of San Luis Obispo County’s Garden Based Learning Committee on Saturday November 9, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. for a free workshop "Harvest Lessons Learned". It will be at 2156 Sierra Way, San Luis Obispo in the auditorium. For more in formation please contact Teresa Lees at treelees@charter.net
- Author: Steve McDermott
- Editor: Noni Todd
Water Efficient Landscapes
By Steve McDermott Master Gardener
I know a lot of people who have dry wells because of the drought. I know that gardening uses lots of water, so what can I do to help out? Nicole C., Paso Robles
Most analysts have identified water as one of the most significant problems of the western U.S. As you know, there are severe water shortages in Paso Robles and the North County, Cambria, Cayucus, Morro Bay, and Nipomo. Critical water issues remain in Los Osos, the city of San Luis Obispo, and elsewhere in the County. Besides lack of rainfall, our management of home gardens can contribute to this problem.
The University of California in Davis, and the EPA estimate that 25% to 60% of residential water use goes to landscape irrigation. Now is a good time to find out how alternative landscaping can reduce water in your own garden. Changing your home landscape can reduce your water bill and maintenance; help in overall water conservation, and at the same time provide texture, color, and accents to your existing garden.
There are plenty of good ideas to help you make wise decisions regarding the composition of your garden. There are many principles of constructing xeriscapes, defined as horticulture that emphasizes water conservation, some of which include grouping plants according to their water and sun needs, using zone irrigation, and finding native plants that are best suited to the local climate.
To help you with this project, The UCCE Master Gardeners of San Luis Obispo County will be conducting a workshop on water efficient landscapes, native plants, and our water catchment system in the garden on Saturday, October 19th. They will discuss how to select drought tolerant plants for specific areas, how to incorporate California and Mediterranean native plants into your existing garden and how to maintain a rain garden in your landscape using a water catchment system.
The workshop will be held at the Garden of the Seven Sisters, at the free Advice to Grow By workshop at 2156 Sierra Way, from 10 a.m. to noon, October 19th. Come early for best seating, bring a chair, hat and water.
- Author: Andrea Giacoletti
- Editor: Noni Todd
Good afternoon to all our readers. We are introducing a new blog to our website. This means that there will be two blogs running on our page. This new blog will be written by Andrea Giacoletti and will cover a myriad of topics. So sit back and enjoy the musings and insights as we traverse Daily Life For Master Gardeners. Noni Todd Webmaster/Master Gardener
Ants Misbehaving
By Andrea Giacoletti Master Gardener
October 9, 2013
It has been a week of misbehavior.
It began when that industrious miscreant, the ant, laid its collective eye on my Caribbean blue patio, and from there spied some sort of ant potential leading to the roof of the house. Clearly, the ants in charge had sent out one of their tireless real estate scouts. No doubt he was given some type of ant certificate for a job well done. What a thrill - a house of our own!
I barely noticed the low ebb of tiny black ants creeping sheepishly along walls, countertops and floors. Independently they hardly seem threatening. A trifle, I thought, refusing to take these tiny uber-communicators seriously. But, without cellphones or social media, ants are capable of a form of broadcast that would befuddle the most proficient of techies. Soon thousands of ant family and friends were visiting in ruler- straight lines that entered through funny house places like corner cracks in the windows, light sockets and the topmost edges of the shower tile.
Immediately I consulted the UC Integrated Pest Management Guidelines. I diligently sealed entrances. I wiped and cleaned. Even my husband sparkled. I bought ant stakes which the ants refused to acknowledge. I was disheartened and considered building a food bridge to encourage the ants to eat their last meal. I watched them approach Motel De Poison. They recoiled, visibly disoriented. Finally after three days of ceaseless cleaning, blocking entrances and counter-attacking the hive, they relented.
On hindsight and after watching this video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uesD7YnmQww I see that food may not have been their main goal. Our home has never been subject to an invasion and for the most part the ants stayed out of the food areas. I think they were solely looking for a reprieve from the heat and a cool drink to quench their thirst. And after all, who can blame them? It’s been hot.
For more information about the mostly annoying, sometimes beneficial and always interesting ant, visit this link: http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7411.html.
Upcoming Events
Public Welcome!
Worm Composting Made Easy!
October 12, 2013 10am-12noon
UCCE Garden of the Seven Sisters
2156 Sierra Way, San Luis Obispo
*$120 Fee Includes:
· Wriggly Wranch Worm Bin
· Supplies (worms & bedding)
· 2 hour hands-on class
*REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED: http://ucanr.org/sloworm
Purchase of a worm bin is not required to attend the workshop. Your choice will be recorded during the registration process.
Advice To Grow By Workshop!
Water Efficient Landscapes and Rainwater Gardens
Come listen, learn and see methods for conserving and utilizing our most precious resource - water.
October 17, 2013
10:00 am-12:00 pm
2156 Sierra Way
San Luis Obispo
Garden of the Seven Sisters
Now Accepting New Applicants!
Join us for the UCCE Master Gardeners Information OPEN HOUSE to learn how to become a Certified Master Gardener.
1:00-2:30 - Master Gardeners will explain the training and certification process and answer all your questions.
2:30-4:00 - Master Gardeners will lead a walk through the demonstration garden and answer any additional questions you have.
Master Gardeners are trained volunteers that extend science-based gardening information from the University of California to the public. The Master Gardener’s role is that of an educator.
October 31, 2013
1:00 pm-4:00 pm
2156 Sierra Way
San Luis Obispo
UCCE Auditorium
How To Reach the Master Gardeners
of San Luis Obispo County
On The Web: http://ucanr.org/sites/mgslo/
Email: mgsanluisobispo@ucdavis.edu
Got a question for a Master Gardener? For answers to pest, disease and plant care questions
call the Helpline!
Helplines
San Luis Obispo 781-5939
Mondays & Thursday-1-5 pm
2156 Sierra Way, Suite C
Arroyo Grande 473-7190
Wednesdays 10-12 pm
810 W Branch St
Templeton 434-4105
Wednesdays 9-12 pm
350A N Main St
What supports sustainable practices, promotes local business and encourages nutrition and social interaction?
Farmers Markets!
San Luis Obispo- 1st Saturday of the month 8-10:45 am
Cambria- 1st Friday of the month 2:30 to 5:00 pm
Baywood- 1st Monday of the month 2-4:30 pm
Paso Robles-not staffed at this time
- Author: Christina Muller
- Editor: Noni Todd
Becoming a Master Gardener
By Christina Muller UC Master Gardener
What do Master Gardeners do? How can I become one? Richard in Templeton
Do you enjoy gardening and have a desire to volunteer in the community? If you have time and energy to share, you might consider becoming a Master Gardener. The primary mission of the UC Master Gardener program is to educate the public about home gardening an d pest management. This program is the link between home gardeners and the University of California’s research based information.
There are many opportunities for San Luis Obispo Master Gardeners to help with the mission of education. One is the monthly ‘Advice to Grow By’ event held in the demonstration garden. Recent topics include summer fruit tree pruning, pest management, and sustainable landscaping. There are three Helpline offices in Arroyo Grande, San Luis Obispo, and Templeton to assist gardeners with their questions. Master Gardeners also have booths at various farmers’ markets and special events around the county. They are frequently requested to speak at service organization and garden club meetings. Finally, a docent program will be initiated next year for The Garden of the Seven Sisters to make this demonstration garden more available to the public. We are especially interested in bilingual applicants who can help us reach more of our gardening community.
Prior to volunteering, Master Gardener trainees attend classes taught by farm advisors and university professors. Afterwards, the new Master Gardener interns are required to perform at least 50 hours of volunteer service and 12 hours of continuing education within a year. In following years, 25 volunteer hours are required to remain certified, but some people volunteer many more hours.
Please join us on Thursday, Oct 31 at 1:00 p.m. in the auditorium at 2156 Sierra Way, San Luis Obispo. and learn about all of the volunteer opportunities. If you wish to apply to the program, applications (due Friday, Nov 15) are available online at http://ucanr.edu/sites/mgslo/Master_Gardener_Training_Program/ or by calling the SLO Helpline at 781-5939. Group interviews will be conducted in early December and training classes will be held on Thursday afternoons from mid-February until mid-June, 2014.
