Archive Nut, Prune and Olive Programs

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green tomatoes
Under the Solano Sun: Article

The Best Time of Year to Start Tomatoes from Seed in California

July 5, 2023
When is the best time to start tomatoes from seed? This has been an ongoing debate I've had with other gardeners. Debates like this are pretty common, and because so many of them come down to preferences alone there's often no right or wrong about them.
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Do monarchs celebrate the Fourth of July? (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)
Bug Squad: Article

Where Are All the Monarchs?

July 4, 2023
By Kathy Keatley Garvey
Where are all the monarchs? Not in our pollinator garden here in Vacaville. Milkweed? Check. Floral resources? Check. Praying mantids? No. (Haven't seen any, but they're out there!) Birds? Yes. (Nesting California scrub jays eat their fill of caterpillars, mainly Gulf Fritillary 'cats.) Shade? Yes.
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Photo of blossom end rot

Blossom End Rot

July 4, 2023
By Help Desk Team
Have you noticed tomatoes that have round, water-soaked spots on the bottom? Blossom end rot (BER) is a frustrating problem that can be quite common in vegetable gardens, as it can affect tomatoes, peppers, and squash. You might notice it after a few very hot days.
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Joanna Chiu in her lab
Bug Squad: Article

Joanna Chiu: From Scholar to Professor to Department Chair

July 3, 2023
By Kathy Keatley Garvey
Scholar, teacher, mentor, researcher, author, collaborator, leader, optimist and administrator. Those are some of the roles of Professor Joanna Chiu, molecular geneticist and physiologist, who advanced from vice chair to chair of the UC Davis Department of Entomology and Nematology on July 1.
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ANR Contracts & Grants Updates: Article

CDFA Healthy Soils Demonstration Program, due August 28, 2023

July 3, 2023
By Kathleen P Nolan
Dear Colleagues, The California Department of Food and Agriculture Healthy Soils Demonstration Program is soliciting proposals to increase statewide implementation of conservation management practices that improve soil health, sequester carbon and reduce atmospheric greenhouse gases.
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Doctoral student Ching-Jung Lin is the recipient of a two-year, $32,000 Ministry of Education Taiwan Government Scholarship to Study Abroad (GSSA). (Photo by Pallavi Shakya)
Entomology & Nematology News: Article

Doctoral Student Ching-Jung Lin Recipient of Taiwanese Government Scholarship

July 3, 2023
By Kathy Keatley Garvey
Doctoral student Ching-Jung Lin of the laboratory of nematologist Shahid Siddique, associate professor, UC Davis Department of Entomology and Nematology, is the recipient of a two-year, $32,000 Ministry of Education Taiwan Government Scholarship to Study Abroad (GSSA).
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Kern County: Article

Kern UCCE/DWR Weekly Crop Water Use Report 07-03-2023

July 3, 2023
Please see below link to access "How To Use Weekly Crop Water Use (ET) Reports to Assist Farm Water Management" How to Use Weekly Crop Water Use Report Please see below link to access "Weekly ET Report 07-03-2023" ET Report 07-03-2023 Please see disclaimer link below: University of California Divisi...
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Prairie Fire in tomato cage attached to gazebo, June 21, 2023 Pot has been wrapped with insulation.
Spill the Beans: Article

Tomatoes in Containers - Trial Progress

July 2, 2023
by Donna Woodward Last month I reported on our ongoing trial with growing tomatoes in containers. To recap briefly, we are growing three different tomato varieties in containers.
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Gardening: A messy and exciting experiment!

July 1, 2023
I often think of myself as the reluctant gardener. Sure, I have always appreciated a lovely garden space overflowing with lush greenery, aromatic blooms or perfectly ripe fruits and veggies. I just personally never had the desire or inclination to make that happen.
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