- Author: Melissa G. Womack
April is National Volunteer Month, and it's the perfect time to recognize and appreciate the outstanding service of UC Master Gardener volunteers across California. UC Master Gardeners generously donate their time and expertise to make a significant impact in their communities.
UC Master Gardener volunteers are the heart of our program, providing invaluable service by sharing research-based horticultural information, engaging in sustainable landscape practices, and fostering a love for gardening in their communities.
In honor of National Volunteer Month and volunteer week (April 16-22), we will be highlighting the exceptional contributions of several Gardeners with Heart on our statewide blog and social media channels.
Each week, we'll share new stories of Gardeners with Heart, showcasing the impact they make every day in their communities. You'll read about volunteers who have spearheaded community garden projects, developed educational programs for school gardens, and created accessible gardening experiences and spaces for people with disabilities. These remarkable UC Master Gardener volunteers have gone above and beyond in their service, demonstrating passion, leadership, and innovation and their efforts have left a mark and have inspired countless others to get involved.
We invite you to join us in celebrating these extraordinary volunteers by following our blog and social media channel, where we will share stories of Gardeners with Heart and how they're making a difference. In addition to these inspiring stories, we encourage you to take the opportunity this month to thank the UC Master Gardener volunteers in your life. Whether it's a family member, friend, or neighbor, your appreciation for their hard work and dedication will undoubtedly mean a great deal to them.
- Author: Lauren Snowden
- Author: Melissa Womack
The 2023 UC Master Gardener Conference photo contest categories have been revealed. It's time to showcase your photography skills in the conference photo contest! Whether you've captured the beauty of a perfectly bloomed flower, your bountiful harvest, a native plant garden, or the joy of sharing your knowledge with others, we want to see your best shots.
Join us in celebrating the beauty of nature and the dedication of UC Master Gardeners everywhere by submitting your photos. Stay tuned for the official photo contest kick-off on June 15, 2023 when photo submission begins! In the meantime, start taking photos that fit into the below five categories.
Photo Contest Categories:
Get Growing
Submit your photos that capture the beauty and process of growing plants, whether it's in a container or a home, community garden, or school garden. We're looking for photos that showcase the various stages of plant growth, from seed to harvest, and the hard work and dedication that goes into cultivating healthy plants. The photos can be of individual plants or a collection of plants, and should showcase the beauty of nature and the joy of gardening.
Garden Lessons
It is no secret that UC Master Gardeners love teaching others about gardening and sharing knowledge, this category is for photos that capture the educational aspect of gardening, whether it's learning about new plants, techniques, or sustainability practices. We're looking for photos that showcase the knowledge-sharing aspect of gardening, whether it's a group of people learning together, a gardening workshop, or a demonstration of a new gardening skill. The photos should capture the passion and enthusiasm for gardening, and the sense of community and connection that comes from sharing knowledge and experiences!
Lovely Landscaping
California is blessed with seven different growing zones, which means we have a lot of variety of maintained landscapes. This category is for photos that showcase the artistry and creativity of landscaping. We're looking for photos of beautiful and inspiring outdoor spaces that have been designed and maintained with care and attention to detail. The photos can be of gardens, parks, or other outdoor spaces, and should capture the beauty of the plants, the harmony of the design, and the peacefulness of the setting.
Garden Fails
Even the most seasoned pro has garden fails. This category is for photos that capture the humorous and often frustrating moments that come with gardening. We're looking for photos of unexpected mishaps, gardening mistakes, and funny situations that occur in the garden. The photos can be of plant fails, garden tools gone wrong, or humorous garden signs. The photos should showcase the lighter side of gardening, and highlight the lessons learned through trial and error.
Garden Bounty
You work so hard to grow food, don't forget to take a photo and show it off. Share photos that showcase the abundance and diversity of homegrown produce. We're looking for photos of gardeners with their harvest, baskets of fruits and vegetables, or close-ups of the produce itself. The photos should capture the joy and pride of growing and harvesting your own food, and the benefits of eating fresh, healthy, and sustainable produce. The photos can be of individual plants or an entire garden and should showcase the variety and beauty of the harvest.
Contest Details
- Photo submissions June 15 - August 28, 2023
- Voting opens in September
- All images must be the original work of the photographer submitting the image
- Multiple entries are allowed
- Open to the public, must be 18 years or older
- Only UC Master Gardeners are eligible for prizes
- Prizes are in the process of finalization
- Prizes are in the process of finalization
Photo Contest Website: https://bit.ly/3SV8eti
/h2>/h3>/h3>/h3>/h3>/h3>/h2>- Author: Skylar Peters
Happy March! The days are starting to get longer, which means the spring gardening season is about to begin. As temperatures begin to warm, it's the perfect time to start tackling tasks in the garden. Whether you've been hibernating and taking a break from gardening this winter, or you've been planning your spring garden for months, we have some gardening tips to help your garden thrive.
1. Clean up your garden just before the growing season swings into full gear. March is the perfect time to clean up your garden. If you haven't already be sure to:
- Prune dead branches to keep your trees healthy (for more information check out this pruning resource.)
- Prune summer-flowering plants that bloom on new wood such as crape myrtle
- Pull weeds once garden beds aren't water-logged
- Remove dead leaves or plant debris
- Clean your garden tools
2. Fertilize your lawn. The most important nutrients for lawns are nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. But most lawns only regularly need nitrogen. To give your lawn the nitrogen it likely needs, you must decide between a:
- Slow-release fertilizer that lasts 8-10 weeks (typically marked on the package as water-insoluble nitrogen or WIN)
- Soluble fertilizer that lasts about 4 weeks
3. Check your irrigation system to see if it needs maintenance. Adjust your irrigation controller for the appropriate season. Plants don't need as much water in late fall, winter, and early spring as they do in the summer months. Adjusting your watering schedule can save water and rescue plants from being overwatered. Do a walkthrough to check your irrigation system for any leaks or problems.
Common irrigation problems and solutions | |
---|---|
PROBLEM |
SOLUTION |
broken sprinkler |
replace with a sprinkler that applies water at the same rate |
unmatched sprinklers |
replace with sprinklers that apply water at a common rate |
sunken sprinkler risers |
raise the sprinklers or replace |
crooked sprinklers |
straighten to an upright position |
turfgrass growing around sprinklers, other plants blocking sprinklers |
mow, prune or remove plant material |
sand or debris plugging sprinklers |
flush out sprinklers to remove debris; replace sprinklers as necessary |
4. Look for standing water in your landscape and containers. It is crucial to ensure that there is no standing water in your yard or garden, as it can be a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
5. Plant cool-season vegetables. March is still a good time to plant cool-season crops like peas, lettuce, spinach, and broccoli. These crops love the cooler weather and will thrive in your garden this time of year. Make sure to plant them in a spot that gets plenty of sun and has well-draining soil.
6. Start warm-season seeds indoors. If you're planning on growing warm-season vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, or eggplants, now is the time to start your seeds indoors. Learn more about seed-starting from our recent blog: Get a Head Start on Your Garden by Starting Your Vegetable Seeds Indoors.
7. Grow herbs. March is an excellent time to grow herbs that can enhance the flavors in your breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Herbs can be grown indoors (e.g., in a kitchen window) or outdoors in a pot, raised bed, or in the ground. Herb leaves and herbaceous stems are an incredible addition to most food. Try a new chimichurri recipe or herbed veggie dish this spring.
8. Look out for ladybug hatchlings. While inspecting your garden for pests, keep an eye out for newly hatched ladybugs and refrain from disturbing them. Ladybugs can be extremely beneficial to your garden as they prey on aphids that can be harmful to your plants. For additional information on ladybugs, you can refer to UC IPM's Lady Beetle information.
9. Plant flowers to attract butterflies and support your local pollinators. Some great pollinator-supporting plants include:
- Milkweed
- Lantana
- Honeysuckle
March is an exciting time in the garden as it marks the beginning of the growing season. As the temperatures start to rise there's a lot to do in the garden from maintenance to planting. It's time to start putting in the work that will pay off when you see your beautiful spring garden.
Ask your local UC Master Gardener Program
Have a gardening question? UC Master Gardener volunteers are available to help. Click here to Find a Program and connect with your local UC Master Gardener Program. You will be redirected to your local county website and contact information. UC Master Gardener volunteers are available to help answer questions for FREE. Happy gardening!
/h4>- Author: Melissa G. Womack
Here are seven tips on how to protect your plants from freezing temperatures in California:
- Water your plants. Make sure your plants (not succulents) are hydrated before a freeze. Water the soil around the base of the plant, this will help to insulate the plant and keep it from freezing.
- Cover your plants. Use blankets, fitted bed sheets, or frost cloths to cover your vulnerable plants. Make sure the cover reaches all the way to the ground and is securely fastened to prevent cold air from seeping in. Do not use plastic covers, as they can trap moisture and damage the plant. Make sure to remove the covering when the temperature rises.
- Add warmth for your plants. Use incandescent miniature lights (not the LED type) to provide warmth and raise the temperature around your plants. Position a 100–150 watt light in the center of the tree and cover the plant with a sheet.
- Bring potted plants indoors. If you have potted plants, move them to a sheltered area (ie. Porch, indoors, under an awning), when temperatures are expected to drop. If possible, cluster potted plants close together in a sheltered spot close to the house. If plants are brought indoors, place them near a window that gets sunlight.
- Mulch your plants. Apply a layer of mulch around the base of your plants. This will help to insulate the roots and keep the soil warm.
- Prune your plants. Prune any dead or damaged branches from your plants before a freeze. This will help to prevent further damage from occurring.
- Monitor the weather. Stay up-to-date on the latest weather forecasts and take action if freezing temperatures are expected. If possible, move your plants to a warmer location or cover them before the freeze sets in.
It's important to note that different plants have different levels of cold tolerance. Some plants are more susceptible to freezing temperatures than others. If you're unsure about how to protect a particular plant, consult with your local UC Master Gardener Program for advice, mg.ucanr.edu/FindUs.
By taking these steps to protect your plants from freezing temperatures, you can help ensure that they stay healthy and vibrant year-round. With a little extra care, you can keep your garden looking beautiful no matter what the weather brings. Stay warm this week!
Additional Resources:
Frost Protection for Citrus and other Subtropicals (UC ANR publication 8100)
https://anrcatalog.ucanr.edu/pdf/8100.pdf
UC Master Gardener Program of Marin County, Problems, Extreme Conditions – Frost
https://marinmg.ucanr.edu/PROBLEMS/EXTREME_CONDITIONS/Frost_853/
- Author: Melissa G. Womack
- Author: Skylar Peters
February is a great time to start preparing for your spring and summer vegetable garden, especially if you want to get a head start on the growing season. According to the California Master Gardener Handbook, growing your own transplants from seed indoors can extend your garden season by several weeks, reduce your gardening cost and allow you to grow a more diverse variety of crops.
Growing from seed is not only fun, but it can also save you money. When stored properly a typical seed packet can last several years. Seeds should be started indoors or in an outdoor hot box or cold frame. Start growing the seeds 6-8 weeks before the date you would like to transplant them and when the threat of frost has passed.
Another benefit of growing vegetables from seed is the wide selection of varieties available from seed catalogs. Growing different varieties is important for an extended harvest and to find plants that grow well in your area. Vegetable plants sold in seedling form are generally available in only one or a few varieties. Plants typically started by seeds indoors include broccoli, cauliflower, eggplant, parsley, tomatoes and peppers. Seeds typically started in the ground include beans, beets, carrots, peas and turnips.
What do you need to get started?
- Soil mix - The soil media you choose should be fine textured, uniform and airy. Do not use garden soil. It is usually too heavy and often may have disease-causing organisms. A commercial potting mix suited to starting seeds will work well. Fill your growing containers about 2/3 full.
- Containers - You can start seeds in almost any container that has drainage holes. Sterilize recycled containers in a 1:9 bleach to water solution, rinse them well and let them air dry prior to use.
- A location with proper light and temperature - A sunny window is usually the perfect spot as it has strong but indirect sunlight. Seed packages should instruct you on sunlight needs. Additionally, keep your seedlings in an area that stays between 65 and 70 degrees during the day and 55-60 degrees at night.
- Quality Seeds – Only plant seeds from a reputable source. Check your seed packets to ensure your seeds have not expired, and that you are planting them at the right time of year. You can also check for seed viability.
- Water – It is crucial to provide seeds with consistent watering. Seeds and seedlings must be kept evenly moist to thrive.
Steps to starting your vegetable garden indoors
- It is important to follow the instructions on your seed packet. Refer to the seed packet for the proper planting depth, plant spacing, and days to maturity.
- Once you have planted your seeds, water them and continue to do so consistently. The goal is to keep the soil evenly moist but not overly wet.
- Two weeks before transplanting, or when your plants are two to four inches tall, expose them to outdoor temperatures to acclimate them. Do this by leaving them outside in a shady spot during the day for a week, and bringing them inside at night. The following week, leave them outside in their containers during the day and at night, gradually exposing them to more sunlight. This process is referred to as hardening off.
- Transplant your vegetables into the garden, planting them at their original depth. Tomatoes can be an exception to this rule however, so consider this tutorial before planting tomato seedlings. Be sure to handle seedlings with care.
Ask your local UC Master Gardener Program
Have a seed starting or home vegetable gardening question? UC Master Gardener volunteers are available to help. Click here to Find a Program and connect with your local UC Master Gardener Program. You will be redirected to your local county website and contact information. UC Master Gardener volunteers are available to help answer questions for FREE. Happy gardening!