- 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.
- Author: Andrea Peck
- Editor: Noni Todd
Rainwater Catchment Systems
By Andrea Peck Master Gardener
Q. What is a rainwater catchment system?
We all talk about it. We all wait for it. Maybe your crazy neighbors do a dance for it. One thing we don’t do is conserve it. We’re talking about rainwater and considering that only 1% of the world’s water is drinkable, it’s pretty amazing that we wantonly turn on our spigot to water our prized roses while allowing “runoff” to pollute waterways. A water catchment system works with our natural infrastructure by collecting rainwater from a large, hard surface, such as a roof. Water travels down the roof, into the downspouts which are connected to some type of container, such as an enclosed barrel or cistern. The water is then saved for future use. It is important to remember that the collected water is considered non-potable and should only be used for purposed that do not require potable water, such as watering non-edible plants or washing your vehicle.
Rainwater catchment systems range from simple to complex. A plain barrel or container serves a small area. More complicated versions incorporate filters that clean the water, connections to irrigation equipment and even pumps. Most barrel-type systems incorporate a hose connection to allow for easy watering.
Over time, water catchment systems make an impact. The average 1000 square-foot roof collects approximately 600 gallons of water during a 1-inch rain.
Building your own system need not be complicated. A motivated do-it-yourselfer can create a system that will collect significant amounts of water, save money and prevent runoff pollution.
On September 14, the Master Gardeners of San Luis Obispo County held their annual “Tomato Extravaganza and Plant Sale”. It was a beautiful day in the Garden of the Seven Sisters and everyone had a great time. The favorite varieties for the tomato tasting were: Sungold tomatoes followed by Pineapple tomatoes and Persimmon tomatoes. For the basil tasting, there was a tie for the favorite of Cinnamon and Lime varieties. The third favorite was Italian Genovese. We hope to see you at our next Tomato Extravaganza in September 2014!
- Author: Terri Sonleitner Law
- Editor: Noni Todd
October Days In The Garden
by Terri Sonleitner Law UC Master Gardener
Q: It’s been a tough summer for my yard. What things should I be doing in my garden in October? Elaine, Templeton
In October the temperature is cooler, the soil remains warm, and if we are lucky, much needed rains will soon follow. October brings beautiful fall colors, along with those milder temperatures, so these can be our best days to work in the garden.
Your garden activities now will center on three areas: garden cleanup, fertilization and planting new plant material. This is the time to clean out beds and vegetable gardens, tidy up or divide and replant perennials, remove dead or diseased branches from trees and shrubs, pull cool season weeds, and then apply a thick layer of mulch. Leaves will begin to fall, so they can be raked up and added to the compost pile, along with any other non-diseased plant debris from your clean up efforts.
Many plants will need a good feeding at this time, including fruit trees and turf grasses. Acid-loving camellias and azaleas are setting buds now and should be fed with an acid-based fertilizer. After the fall bloom on roses, cut them back and feed them again for blooms before Christmas, or let them form hips and take a natural approach to dormancy. While you are fertilizing, be sure to check and re-program your irrigation systems and timers.
This is the best time to plant California native plants and shrubs, and to sow wildflower seeds. Native or well-adapted trees love being planted in the fall, as their roots grow over the winter and they will be well established by next summer. Garden centers have a good selection of bulbs that can be planted now for a riot of color next spring. Be sure to pre-chill bulbs of tulips, crocus and hyacinth in the refrigerator before planting. If you want to have a winter vegetable garden, this is the time to plant greens, herbs and all cool season vegetables.
Enjoy your time in the October garden!
