Note: This was originally published in the Contra Costa Times. It has been updated.If you have ever admired the coral beauty of camellias, azaleas or rhododendrons or savored the juicy plumpness of blueberries, you may have thought of growing your own. You may also have heard that these are acid-loving…
2026 PRIMARY CAMP REGISTRATION FORMLocation: County AG Center, 3800 Cornucopia Way, Modesto, Harvest Hall Room D/E Date: Saturday, May 9, 2026 Drop‑off / Check-In starts: 8:30 a.m. Pick‑up: 3:45 p.m. (Kids may be dropped off—parents are welcome to stay and enjoy the day!)Registration deadline: Friday, May 2…
Nitrogen Fixation in PeasAtmospheric nitrogen (N2) is not in a usable form for most plants. For legumes like beans and peas a symbiotic relationship exists with a type of nitrogen fixing bacteria (Rhizobia spp.). The bacteria “infects” the root system obtaining essential nutrition, while providing the plant…
Potato Seed PreparationPotato 'seeds' are actually bits of potatoes with at least a couple eyes, from which the plants develop. Larger seed potatoes can be cut if they include at least 2 eyes each, just be sure to allow 24 hours to dry or become callused before planting. Potatoes will tolerate light…
Imagine yourself walking out to your garden or patio and being greeted by a spicy fragrance. All around you are pots and containers filled with culinary herbs such as thyme, oregano, and basil. You reach down and take a snip or two of these fresh herbs and wander back into your kitchen to add them to the pot…
Some gardeners may not consider caterpillars to be “cool.” After all, hungry caterpillars eat vegetables and flowers that gardeners are trying to grow! However, I think they ARE cool because beautiful colorful caterpillars become gorgeous butterflies or moths. In addition, they are valuable pollinators and a…
