Ongoing research

By Trish Grenfell, UC Master Gardener of Placer CountyQ: I planted basil this spring and am unsure how many leaves I can remove without killing the plant. Will it regrow after I scalp it?A: Basil is wonderful, not only as a culinary experience, but if you place leafy bouquets in water, the spicy…

By Laurie Meyerpeter, UC Master Gardener of Placer CountyQ: What vegetables can I plant in the fall?A: Many vegetables are best planted in either late summer or early fall for a fall or winter crop. Or the same vegetables can be planted in early spring for a crop that matures before the heat of the…

Trish Alderson, UC Master Gardeners of Placer CountyFrom The Curious Gardener, Summer 2011Chips and Salsa, anyone?? How about salsa on salad or adding salsa to a favorite dish?These are just a few examples of how we might use salsa to enhance what we eat.Salsa is a wonderful accompaniment to many dishes…

By Trish Grenfell, UC Master Gardeners of Placer CountyQ: There are dark spots on the bottoms of most of my tomatoes. What is wrong and what should I do? A:  Blossom-end rot is a disease that strikes tomatoes, peppers, watermelons, among others. It is not caused by a pest but instead by…

Elaine Kelly Applebaum, UC Master Gardener of Placer CountyFrom The Curious Gardener, Spring 2021 Audrey Hepburn once said, “to plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow.” So perhaps it was to be expected that people around the world would take the opportunity posed by stay-at-home orders last…

By Trish Grenfell, UC Master Gardener of Placer CountyFrom The Curious Gardener, Summer 2022Originally published in Auburn Journal, July 17, 2021  What is wrong with my tomato? Here are some things to look at: 1. Blossom drop: When daily temperatures are greater than 90 degrees and nights…

Dorothy Volker, UC Master Gardeners of Nevada CountyFrom The Curious Gardener, Spring 2010You already know what vegetables your family likes to eat and you like knowing where and how your food is grown. You know that growing your own vegetables reduces your family’s carbon footprint and you really know…

By Johanne Ryker, UC Master Gardener of Placer CountyQ: How much and how often should I be watering my vegetable garden?A:  Gardens in our area normally require some irrigation, especially in summer. Irrigation that is inadequate will cause a significant reduction in productivity. However, water…

By Trish Grenfell, UC Master Gardener of Placer County Q: I have a small backyard with no place that receives a full six hours of sun. I have been told that I cannot grow a vegetable garden. Is that true?A: Space-challenged gardeners have been trying to maximize the conditions they have, and…