Master Gardener Classes for Children- Join us!Join Master Gardeners of Fresno County for a FREE and fun, hands-on gardening activity perfect for preschool and elementary-aged children! Each month, we explore exciting gardening topics through a short lesson, engaging books, and creative crafts.The Master…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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,…
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…
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
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 get ripe. It depresses me to even think about it. However, this year…
