Ongoing research

by Tom Hixson, UC Master Gardener of Napa County Most Napa Valley residents recognize the plant known as tree of heaven when they see it sprouting wild in fields, taking over their gardens or defiantly establishing itself in sidewalk cracks.

They don't communicate like we do, but if praying mantises could talk, do you think they would forego the formal greeting of "Nice to meet you" and say "Nice to eat you?

On December 3, your donation will be matched, enabling us to continue providing gardening education, resources, and support to garden enthusiasts across California and doubling your support. Visit give.ucanr.edu and help us sow the seeds of knowledge.

As cooler temperatures begin to settle in, some gardeners believe their gardening season is over. But the conclusion of scorching summer heat often reaching 115F in Fresno County does not signal the end of your gardening activities. In fact, it is an ideal time for planting cool-season vegetables.

Cultivate planting beds lightly to prevent weed germination. Tasks Monitor rainfall and adjust automatic sprinklers accordingly. If rainfall is adequate, warm-season grasses require no supplemental irrigation. Spray stone-fruit, apple, pear, nut and flowering trees and roses with dormant oil spray.

While it's certainly possible to start California native perennials, shrubs and trees from seed, most people buy plants that are growing in pots to transplant to the yard. By far the best time for planting natives is October through late winter. The weather is cool and nature helps with irrigation.

Linda was residing in Laguna Beach at the time of this interview and was very active in good-food related enterprises as you will hear. She has since relocated to southern Utah.

Look, over there! It's Thanksgiving Week and there's a newly eclosed Gulf Fritillary on a tattered pink zinnia "that looks as it has seen better days," as my mother used to say. The orange of autumn exploding, the silver of yultide beckoning. Silver and bold...

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It's good to see UC Davis distinguished professor Bruce Hammock and his 50-plus years of incredible research in the news.