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By Charles Davis, UC Master Gardener Thinning is done to avoid: (1) alternating bearing years, (2) breakage of branches due to excessive crop, and (3) to allow for better air circulation around the fruit to prevent disease (especially if the fruit is touching).
By Charles Davis, UC Master Gardener Photo credit: cekern.ucanr.edu Grapes can be grown successfully in the backyard with thoughtful planning and care. Choose a grape variety based on your climate, desired use and support structure.
By Kim Wilson, UC Master Gardener Herb Gardening Herbs are plants used for culinary, aromatic or medicinal purposes. Their varied foliage, colors and textures add interest to the garden while attracting pollinators, butterflies and hummingbirds and the occasional kitty.
from UC Master Gardener Program, Tulare/Kings County Theres almost nothing more satisfying than picking fresh grown herbs from your own garden to spice and season your cooking in the kitchen. Herbs are delightfully easy to grow and provide pleasure for the taste buds and the nose.
By Leonardo Cicerello and Kim Wilson, UC Master Gardeners Photo credit: UCANR Hop (Humulus lupulus) is a perennial deciduous climbing plant grown for its cone shaped flowers which are used in beer brewing.
By Kim Wilson, UC Master Gardener Integrated pest management (IPM) is a whole system-based strategy to prevent and manage pests using environmentally sound methods. This strategy provides long term solutions, manages potential problems early and gives choices to avoid unnecessary pesticide use.
By Tami Reece, UC Master Gardener Blueberry Varieties Considerations in choosing blueberry plants: taste and fruit size, harvest dates, climate, plant form and foliage. Some varieties are deciduous, losing their leaves in the winter.
By Thorv Hessellund, UC Master Gardener Avocados are a tropical fruit, native to Central America and Mexico. It has been a staple of the Central American diet dating back to the 17th century.
