Ongoing research

UC Master Gardeners of Tulare and Kings County: Page

Ask a Master Gardener

 Have a question about your garden? The UC Master Gardeners of Tulare/Kings Counties are here to help! Our trained volunteers provide free, research-based advice on all aspects of home gardening. We can help you identify plant problems, recommend varieties that thrive in our zones 9a-9b climate, suggest…
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UC Master Gardeners of Inyo and Mono Counties: Document

Owens Valley Irrigation Rules of Thumb

A PDF version of this document formatted for printing is available below.Bishop, Keeler, and South Owens Lake have CIMIS irrigation stations that can be used to determine with some accuracy how much water is needed based on weather. These can be complicated to use, however. These tables, developed by a…
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Western fence lizard
Fresno Gardening Green: Article

Geronimo: A lizard that helps control garden pests

February 26, 2026
I walked into my yard one night a few years ago and came face to face with a bold and defiant Sceloporus occidentalis, or Western Fence Lizard. I couldn't have been more delighted.I remember as a child chasing lizards when I lived with my grandparents in the mountains above Oroville. Once, I caught one. I…
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UC Cooperative Extension Napa County: Page

Specialty Crops

 Ellie Andrews Specialty Crops AdvisorSonoma, Marin, and Napa CountiesUniversity of California Cooperative ExtensionEmail: eandrews@ucanr.eduInstagram: @specialtycropsView more resources on the Specialty Crops program websiteThe UCCE North Bay Specialty Crops Extension and research…
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UC Master Gardeners of Inyo and Mono Counties: Article

Estimated Irrigation Needs for Bishop, CA

February 26, 2026
By Dustin W Blakey
The following tables are estimates of water use for Bishop, CA based on CIMIS weather data, Station #35. The first table shows estimated plant use for each month. The second shows how much you can expect to irrigate. Both show values in inches. Obviously you will need to apply water more than once a…
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purple pluots in a pile
Under the Solano Sun: Article

It's Spring?

February 26, 2026
By Jennifer M Baumbach
Blog by Brenda AltmanClimate change is real.  Every year, my pluot (plum apricot) tree starts flowering earlier and earlier. Here it is flowering in the second week of February!Luther Burbank pioneered the development of hybrid plums and apricots. In the late 19th century, crossing an apricot and a plum…
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Yellow flowers
Fresno Gardening Green: Article

This week in the garden: Feb. 27 - March 5

February 26, 2026
Herbs thrive in the San Joaquin Valley because of our climate. March is a great time for spring planting.TasksCheck drip systems, sprinklers and other irrigation systems for repair needs.Flush irrigation lines and inspect sprinkler valves for proper operation.Protect transplants from cutworms by putting a…
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This Month In The Garden – March 2026

February 25, 2026
By Loren Nelson
Happy March! It’s time for This Month In The Garden, our monthly tips and tricks show we play on the first Thursday of every month here on In The Garden with UC Master Gardeners of Orange County California.The key emphasis at this time of year are three words: Plant, Feed, and Control. But don’t jump the gun…
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