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May 2025Archived
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UC Master Gardener Program of Contra Costa County: Article

How to Dry Farm Tomatoes in Contra Costa

May 10, 2026
By CoCoMG Helpdesk
Preparing the BedAs early as possible in the spring, prepare a bed in our native clay soil when the soil moisture content allows a handful of soil to crumble easily. You may need to wait for the soil to dry out, or you may need to water if it’s too dry.Double dig the entire bed to a depth of 18 – 24…
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UC Master Gardener Program of Contra Costa County: Article

Your Food Garden During Drought

May 10, 2026
By CoCoMG Helpdesk
IntroductionWhen facing serious drought, we can be water-wise and successful growing a food garden. Here are things to consider when planning a food garden during a drought and some suggestions for optimizing water usage.The first step in deciding to have a food garden is to determine if extra water beyond…
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succulent sampler of various varieties, J Hecht
UC Master Gardeners of Santa Clara County: Event

SCTDG Growing Succulents - San Martin

Jun 27, 2026

Succulents can be an attractive and interesting addition to your garden with minimal care. You will learn about cultural requirements, such as soil, water, fertilizer, sun exposure, and pest and disease control, as well as learn about different varieties of succulents. You will also learn how to propagate…
UC Master Gardeners of Santa Clara County
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UC Master Gardener Program of Contra Costa County: Article

Use of Grey Water and Recycled Water for Irrigation

May 10, 2026
By CoCoMG Helpdesk
IntroductionAs drought conditions become increasingly likely over time, it’s essential that we all learn to use water more efficiently. Using grey water or recycled water can help to conserve our finite water resources.About Grey WaterGrey water is untreated, non-disinfected household wastewater that does…
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UC Master Gardener Program of Contra Costa County: Article

Sheet Mulching & Irrigation for Lawn Conversions

May 10, 2026
By CoCoMG Helpdesk
Prepared/presented by UC Master Gardeners Janet Miller & Steven Griffin at the GET DRY Plant Sale & Workshop, September 2015.IntroductionIf you are planning a lawn conversion by sheet mulching and want to plant a drought tolerant garden in place of the lawn, you may want to install a drip irrigation…
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UC Master Gardener Program of Contra Costa County: Article

About Soil Testing

May 10, 2026
By CoCoMG Helpdesk
by Emma Connery, UC Master Gardener Program Coordinator, March 5, 2011SummarySoil testing eliminates the over-use of fertilizers, thereby saving money and protecting the environment while maintaining good soil and plant health.Soil testing can save you money and protect the environmentQuestion: I am…
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Patch of Bermudagrass

Fighting Bermudagrass

May 10, 2026
By Help Desk Team
Bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) is a warm-season grass that is sometimes used for lawns. It tolerates high temperatures, needs full sun, and survives with low water. Unfortunately, it is also one of the most common weeds in our area and is difficult to control.  To identify bermudagrass, look for dense…
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Photo of cob of corn with some of the husks peeled back. (ignartonosbg.pixabay).jpg

Growing Corn in a Small Garden

May 10, 2026
By Pat Hitchcock, UC Master Gardener of Napa County.  Last summer the Napa County Master Gardeners field-testing group agreed to try growing corn. I think I must have missed the meeting when this was decided as I have avoided growing corn for many years.   In my view, corn takes too much space…
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Plant seedlings
UC Master Gardeners of San Mateo & San Francisco Counties: Event

Master Gardener Table at San Francisco Rec & Park Community Garden Day

May 16, 2026

Stop by the UC Master Gardener table at the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department's Seed & Plant Start Giveaway. This event is free and open to all San Francisco residents. UC Master Gardeners will give out seeds, veggie plants and herb starts courtesy of the San Francisco Recreation and Park…
UC Master Gardeners of San Mateo & San Francisco Counties
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UC Master Gardeners of Tulare and Kings County: Article

WUCOLS: An Online Landscaping Tool for Home Gardeners

May 9, 2026
By Rosie Bonar, UC Master Gardener of Tulare/Kings County
It's Spring planting time, but most gardeners want to know which plants best suit Tulare and Kings Counties. Home gardeners will have more success when choosing plants for their yards if they consider the climate, amount of available water, amount of shade, and location within the state of California. Not…
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