UC Master Gardener Program Statewide Blog

Welcome to our blog, your source for research-based gardening information. The UC Master Gardener Program extends the University of California's rich agricultural knowledge to home gardeners across the state, promoting sustainable practices and environmental stewardship. We share seasonal tips, plant recommendations, pest management strategies, and stories of the amazing work UC Master Gardener Volunteers do in the community. Explore our articles to enhance your gardening skills, and you can always return to our main website for comprehensive resources, upcoming events, and ways to connect with UC Master Gardeners in your county.

Jardineros is Cultivating Connection in Contra Costa County

June 18, 2026

By Katherine Uhde

A garden can do a lot more than grow food. It can help someone heal, learn a new skill, or find a sense of purpose. That spirit is at the heart of Jardineros, an innovative outreach project led by the UC Master Gardener Program of Contra Costa County. Jardineros launched in 2020, when UC Master…

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Learning Garden Expansion Boosts Education and Community Impact in Sutter and Yuba Counties

May 20, 2026

By Katherine Uhde

A former horseshoe pit at the county fairgrounds has been transformed into the Sutter-Yuba Learning Garden, a community space for growing food, teaching gardening skills and bringing volunteers and residents together. Over the past eight years, the Learning Garden, led by the UC Master Gardener Program of…

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Front gate to a children's garden with a scarecrow in the foreground

Restoring the Children’s Garden, Expanding Student Access

April 20, 2026

By Katherine Uhde

Picture this: it's 9 a.m. on a weekday morning, and a school bus arrives carrying students eager for a day outside the classroom. As they step off the bus, they are welcomed by fresh air, delightful smells and colorful plants. They are greeted by the smiles of UC Master Gardener volunteers ready to…

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Group of volunteers working in the garden

Volunteers Reimagined Garden Education in Butte County. Now It Reaches Thousands.

April 14, 2026

By Barbra Braaten

In classrooms across Butte County, UC Master Gardener volunteers were helping students plant seeds, dig in the soil and ask questions about the world around them. The work was meaningful, but it also revealed a challenge: There was not enough time to reach every student in a lasting way.At the same…

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A hydroponic growing rack of strawberries.

Opening the Door to Gardening in Small Spaces with Hydroponics

April 6, 2026

By Kristian M Salgado-Jacobo

What if fresh vegetables could be grown without soil and in spaces as small as an apartment balcony? That question inspired the UC Master Gardener Program of Orange County's innovative hydroponics project, which earned first place in the 2026 Search for Excellence competition. UC Master Gardener volunteers…

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