Ongoing research

by David George The native oak trees that grace our Contra Costa County gardens face constant threats from habitat loss, imported diseases, nasty pests, and the effects of climate change. These threats destroy thousands of local oaks each year.

by Cynthia Engers Its clear that with the sun low in the sky, shorter days, and cooler temperatures, plant growth has slowed, almost to a stop. Most of the plants are going dormant and will be in full dormancy by January.

by Pamela Austin "Every leaf speaks bliss to me, fluttering from the autumn tree." - Emily Bront Good news! Skipping your garden clean-up and leaving your garden messy can have remarkable benefits for insects, birds, and plants in your garden.

by Joie Spinelli The demonstration garden 'Our Garden' in Walnut Creek started the new year with much quieter Wednesdays.

by David George As winter settles in, many UC Contra Costa County Master Gardener volunteers tend to their INDOOR veggies and one of the hottest trends in indoor food production right now is growing Microgreens.

by Pam Schroeder and Robin Harper Zone 2, also called the Reduced Fuel zone, covers the outermost area of your property and represents the furthest reach of your responsibility. It is defined as 30-100 feet out from the buildings, structures, and decks of your home or up to your property line.

Bermuda buttercup (Oxalis pes-caprae) has become a tenacious and frustrating weed throughout California. From November through April, bright yellow flowers on leafless stalks and green shamrock-like leaves pop up in many of our landscapes.

...

By Yvonne Rasmussen, UC Master Gardener of Napa County Growing plants from seeds rather than from nursery starts has many advantages and can be an awe-inspiring experience. By using seeds, you have more options than nurseries offer.

Hear that buzz? The long-awaited update of the landmark UC Davis-authored book, Queen Bee Rearing and Bee Breeding by Harry H. Laidlaw Jr. (1907-2003), the father of bee genetics, and his former doctoral research mentee Robert E. Page Jr.