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

Drip Irrigation - Layout Types

May 5, 2026
By Lori D Palmquist
Grid, Snake, and Ring Layouts for Drip IrrigationA well-designed drip irrigation system can save water, improve plant health, and make gardening easier. But the layout you choose matters just as much as the equipment itself. Different garden types require different approaches to deliver water efficiently…
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Bee's Bliss salvia is a good alternative to invasive ground covers like vinca major. Brent McGhie
The Real Dirt: Article

Native vs. Non-Native Plants

May 4, 2026
In California, besieged by the twin threats of drought and wildfire, the choice to grow native versus non-native plants is attracting more attention than ever before. What exactly are the merits of native compared to non-native plants, and how do gardeners make the best choice about what to grow in a home…
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UC Master Gardeners of San Diego County: Article

Managing the Garden

May 4, 2026
By Joelle Kohn
Types of Volunteer-Run Garden TeamsMostly retirees, a few working folks. 3-person team each day, an hour or so.Special-needs young adults & their teachers/aids. 2-3 days a week, an hour or so.Retirees, working folks, special-needs adults. 6 days a week, an hour or so.Special Projects TeamThere are tasks…
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UC Master Gardener Program of Contra Costa County: Article

How to Sheet Mulch

May 4, 2026
By CoCoMG Helpdesk
A Quick StartSheet mulching is a technique of laying cardboard or newspaper over an existing lawn and then topping it off with layers of compost and wood mulch. The layers suppress weed growth, giving you healthier soil and plants. Step 1 Mow or cut vegetation to the ground. Install any 5-gallon or…
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Black and yellow bumble bee flying from a pale lavender flowers in a globe-shaped cluster.
UC Ag Experts Talk Webinar Series: Event

Webinar - Advancing IPPM: Pollinators, Natural Enemies, and the Economic Value of Habitat

Jul 22, 2026

This webinar is part of the Integrated Pest and Pollinator Management series. Dr. Lora Morandin, Associate Director of the Pollinator Partnership, will give a brief overview on how pest control and pollination benefit the ecosystem. She will also discuss the importance of wild pollinators to pollination and…
UC Ag Experts Talk Webinar Series
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UC Master Gardener Program of Contra Costa County: Article

Using Compost in the Home Garden

May 4, 2026
By CoCoMG Helpdesk
IntroductionOur goal in gardening is to build healthy soil in a way that will help develop permanent fertility in the garden and landscape. The addition of compost to our soil is one of the most basic methods of meeting this goal. Good soil management will provide the nutrition our plants need today, but it…
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UC Master Gardener Program of Contra Costa County: Article

Composting 101

May 4, 2026
By CoCoMG Helpdesk
Composting in Three Simple StepsThe following article describes how to generate compost.Step 1 - Gather Your Yard WasteYard waste is either fresh and moist, or old and dry. The fresh waste has a higher nitrogen content while the old, dry waste has a higher carbon content. When starting your compost system,…
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Pure Water Matters - Your Essential Guide to Drinking Water Quality!: Article

Tap Water Day 2026: What Shapes Trust in Tap Water

May 4, 2026
By Esther N Lofton
Tap Water Day 2026: What Shapes Trust in Tap Water Tap water trust has become an increasingly central concern across the water sector, drawing attention from agencies, educators, and policymakers alike.This growing focus reflects a broader recognition: communities have consistently signaled the need for…
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