Ongoing research

The winter holidays are filled with traditions — cozy gatherings, comforting foods, and the joy of giving. But from a mental wellbeing perspective, the way we give gifts can either nurture connection or add unnecessary stress.The Capitalist Crunch Every year, “Black Friday creep” starts earlier,…

 Gardens are meant for plants, right? So why encourage birds to join us there? The most obvious reason is that many of us love birds.  They are beautiful to look at, and we delight in hearing them sing. Birds bring a whole extra dimension to the enjoyment of nature in your outdoor place. But even…

 Gardens are meant for plants, right? So why encourage birds to join us there? The most obvious reason is that many of us love birds.  They are beautiful to look at, and we delight in hearing them sing. Birds bring a whole extra dimension to the enjoyment of nature in your outdoor place. But even…

By Dorothy Volker, UC Master Gardener of Nevada CountyFrom The Curious Gardener, Winter 2007So, when the kids are helping you cook or clean up after dinner, (they do help with that, don't they?) has anyone ever thought about where "away" is when you throw food scraps away? Well, when you think about it, you…

Sandy Kewman, UC Master Gardener of Nevada County Master GardenerFrom The Curious Gardener, Spring 2008A compost pile is an eco-system; provide the food and the guests will come!Spring-like weather brings up the urge to prune and plant, to top dress or mulch with compost...Compost! What's been…

Mary Sanichas, UC Master Gardener of Nevada CountyFrom The Curious Gardener, Fall 2011You might say, “I already am composting without breaking my back.” Compost definitely happens when you throw your garden trimmings, kitchen waste, dog hair, fingernail clippings, and other suitable organic matter into…

Kevin Marini, Master Gardeners of Placer County CoordinatorFrom The Curious Gardener, Spring 2007There comes a time in every avid gardener’s life where you take a good, long look at yourself in the mirror and admit that you are putting too much time and energy into one area of your garden. The cries and…

By Trish Grenfell, UC Master Gardener of Placer CountyQ: Soon I will be raking leaves up and into the green garbage bin. This year I am considering a compost pile but I am afraid it is too much trouble. What is involved?A: As renowned horticulturist Felder Rushing advises, “Quit throwing that…

Jesse Locks, UC Master Gardener of Nevada CountyFrom The Curious Gardener, Winter 2007Due to increasing concerns over air pollution in Nevada and Placer Counties, gardeners are exploring alternatives to burning their leaves, shrub and tree trimmings.Chipping yard prunings to be used in either compost or as…

Watering During Winter DroughtBy Trish Grenfell, UC Master Gardener of Placer County MasterQ: I never water my lawn and plants in the winter but am wondering what happens when we experience an unusual long dry spell like this December? A: Thank you for asking this question. For those of us who…