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

Tomato Growing - Abiotic Disorders

May 2, 2026
By CoCoMG Helpdesk
Tomato Growing TipsThe following information contains tips for growing tomatoes in Contra Costa County.TermsDeterminate —This type of tomato stops growing at a set height of about 3-5’ and will bear most fruit within a 4-6 week period. These early ripening types may be best for containers.Indeterminate —This…
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UC Master Gardener Program of Contra Costa County: Article

Growing Peppers

May 2, 2026
By CoCoMG Helpdesk
Best Practices for Growing PeppersThe following information describes best practices for growing peppers.Soil and Cool TemperaturesPeppers do best in deep, rich soil with good drainage; prepare the soil by working in 2” of compost to a depth of 8-10”.The soil pH should be slightly acidic (6-6.5).The minimum…
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UC Master Gardener Program of Contra Costa County: Article

Common Tomato Pests and Diseases

May 2, 2026
By CoCoMG Helpdesk
Despite all the planning and preparation that goes into planting a garden, insects and diseases can still frustrate even the best gardeners. Here is a list of what you might see on and around your tomato plants.Early BlightEarly Blight is a common leaf spot caused by the fungus Alternaria solani. Dark brown…
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UC Master Gardener Program of Contra Costa County: Article

Tomatoes and Drought in Contra Costa

May 2, 2026
By CoCoMG Helpdesk
Practical Tips for Thriving PlantsAll tomato varieties are really very similar in their physiology, and as such, there are no "drought-resistant" varieties, just some varieties that yield better results with low water application than others. This is why we have no category entitled “drought-tolerant…
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UC Master Gardener Program of Contra Costa County: Article

Building Healthy Soil

May 2, 2026
By CoCoMG Helpdesk
Sustainable Gardening - Building Healthy SoilThe following information describes how to build healthy soil in a home garden.What is Healthy Soil?Healthy Soil is a living system that includes:Inorganic material—rock/mineral particles.Air (especially oxygen) and water.Organic material—living organisms: roots,…
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UC Master Gardener Program of Contra Costa County: Article

Soil and Water Testing Laboratories for Home Gardeners

May 2, 2026
By CoCoMG Helpdesk
IntroductionThe following information is for home gardeners who are interested in testing their soil and water. Contact the lab to confirm offered services, pricing, and preferred procedure for sample collection.Testing labs vary in the types of available tests and recommendations they provide. Be sure…
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Basil seedling
UC Master Gardeners of San Mateo & San Francisco Counties: Event

Herbs & Edible Flowers

Jun 10, 2026

In this class UC Master Gardener Karen Flores will provide an overview of the many different kind of herbs and edible flowers. She'll explain how to grow them, how to propagate them and how to use them in your cooking!  She also will discuss growing in containers, in raised beds and in the ground. Herbs…
UC Master Gardeners of San Mateo & San Francisco Counties
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Tomato plant against a cloudy sky
UC Master Gardeners of Tuolumne County: Article

Heat Problems with Vegetables in Tuolumne County

May 2, 2026
Heat Problems with Vegetablesby UCCE Master Gardener Jim Bliss As we get ready for this year’s vegetable garden planting season, I begin thinking about summer heat. Pretty much every year in late July, my family slides into a tomato depression thinking that all those beautiful green tomatoes will never…
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UC Master Gardeners of Tulare and Kings County: Article

Helpful Gardening Tips for May 2026

May 2, 2026
By Peyton Ellas, UC Master Gardener of Tulare/Kings County
After the frightening "summer is here too early; no, wait, it's going to freeze tonight" weather we had in March, April was lovely with its perfect spring blend of warm days, cool nights, moderate humidity, and a spattering of rain and snow. I hope this continues right through May, with a gradual warming…
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