Ongoing research

Blog by Brenda Altman Snugs lives in a garden of earthly delights! His favorite snack of course, is catnip (Nepeta cataria). It grows well here in Vallejo. It’s a herbaceous perennial that thrives in full sun.  It has multiple stems and grows in a tight cluster. Here, it does not die back in our…

In Central California, adult ticks are most active from late November until late April or early May. While the risk of tick bites is lower during the summer months, the tiny arachnids are active all year round in California, according to the California Department of Public Health. Preventing exposure to…

TasksMonitor rainfall and adjust water accordingly to keep soil moist for new plantings.Put organic mulch around permanent plants to conserve water and prevent weeds.Trees need to be deeply watered as they enter dormancy.Mushrooms often appear in the lawn in the fall as growing conditions are favorable. If…

 Since Saturday, Sept. 27, we've recorded almost daily sightings of migrating monarchs passing through our pollinator garden in Vacaville on their way to their overwintering sites along coastal California.The monarchs are stopping by for some flight fluel--nectar from our stand of Mexican sunflowers,…

Stephen Reid es un horticultor profesional que logró este título por medios pocos convencionalesSu pasión por la naturaleza y perseverancia personal llevaron a Stephen Reid de promotor digital, a maestro de jardineros de UC y eventualmente a trabajar en el jardín botánico The Huntington de Pasadena, como…

 (This post is available in English)La fresa en un clima cálido:        La fresa es el cultivo preferido para muchas pequeñas granjas del Valle Central de California los cuales operan puestos agrícolas en las carreteras y ofrecen la modalidad de "cosechar por su propia cuenta" para…

For the first time, the flavors, aromas and traditions of food cultures across the globe filled the heart of Sacramento. From traditional cacao beverages to classic and artisanal dishes, Terra Madre Americas – held Sept. 26-28 – showcased the best of what agriculture from across the Americas has to offer on…