Archive Nut, Prune and Olive Programs

by Hedwig Van Den Broeck In this article, wed like to address the amazing color changes in outdoor growing succulents that produce more beautiful and vibrant colors when exposed to stressful conditions.

by David George All plants require four essential elements: sun, water, air, and fertile soil with space to grow. Container plants are no exception. Because they are not grown in native soil though, container plants have special soil needs.

by Lorraine Frey Vermiculture, also known as worm composting or vermicomposting, is the practice of raising worms to convert organic waste into nutrient-rich compost for plants. It's a sustainable gardening technique that can reduce waste and improve soil health.

by David George and Pam Austin Did you know that the UC Master Gardener Program of Contra Costa County has an active support program for school gardens in the county? Does your public or private school have an existing vegetable or flower garden that needs sprucing up?

by Hedwig Van Den Broeck As we continue our series on "Home Landscaping for Fire Safety", we will now delve deeper into the topic of developing fire-resistant landscaping in Fire Zone 0. Zone ZERO means Zero combustibles. Defensible Space Zone 0 refers to the immediate area (05 ft.

The East Bay Municipal Utility District Board of Directors recognized the outstanding skill and dedication of the UC Master Gardeners of Contra Costa County and the City of Richmond Parls and Landscaping Division who have made the Richmond City Hall gardens a true demonstration of partnership, stewa...

One of the great pleasures of gardening is the reward and satisfaction of walking among your plants and seeing the unique way you have displayed your horticultural talents. A garden is a gift you give to yourself as well as to all those who take the time to appreciate your handiwork.

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Climate Smart Agriculture: Assessing Needs and Perceptions of California's Farmers, published on June 14, 2024, in Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, is an article based on the results of statewide survey by UC ANR scientists and their collaborators.

I recently came across a national forum thread on iNaturalist where someone was curious to know more about the value of becoming a certified naturalist. Not surprisingly there were a wide range of opinions. These ranged from supportive to skeptical to cynical.