Archive Nut, Prune and Olive Programs

By Susanne von Rosenberg, U. C. Master Gardener of Napa County Regular readers of this column know that it is possible to grow vegetables year-round in Napa County.

In this issue:Almond Day 2020 Announcement 

For several weeks now, we've been watching colonies of carpenter ants in a Vacaville, Callif. park. They draw the attention of curious kids--some poke them with a stick, stomp on them, or race their bicycles over them. Some peer into the holes, trying to see the insects inside.

How do fruit flies tell time? How do monarch butterflies know when to migrate? How can assassin flies overcome prey much larger than they are? How do bark beetles wreak havoc in our forests? What insects do bats eat?

UC Davis nematologist Valerie Williamson participated on the research team led by the Boyce Thompson Institute (BTI), Ithaca, N.Y., that revealed how plants manipulate nematode pheromones to repel infestations.

Scorching temperatures and parched earth are no match for the sorghum plant this cereal crop, native to Africa, will remain green and productive, even under conditions that would render other plants brown, brittle and barren.

Book of the Month - My New Year's Garden Ornamental Plant of the Month - Amaryllis lily Edible Plant of the Month - Sorrel Recipe of the Month - Pumpkin Curry Soup Events - February Colusa Farm Show, February 4, 5, 6 Second Saturday at the Library, February 8, 10 to noon Garden Chat, January 29 & Fe...

A UCCE-led work group promoted the use of EBT/CalFresh and other farmers' market incentives for families to purchase more fruits and vegetables at farmers' markets, resulting in a 30% increase in EBT/CalFresh customers.

UPCOMING MEETING EVENT: UC Davis Winter Grape Day 2020 Date: 21 January 2020 at the UC Davis Conference Center for a full-day of lectures and wine tasting.

Noted entomologist and ant specialist Corrie Moreau will present a UC Davis Department of Entomology and Nematology seminar, "Piecing Together the Puzzle to Understand the Evolution of the Ants: Macroevolution to Microbiomes" from 4:10 to 5 p.m., Wednesday, Jan.