Ongoing research

For centuries, many cultures linked mistletoe, a member of the sandalwood family Santalaceae, to life-giving power, fertility and peace. The Romans celebrated with mistletoe at the festival of Saturnalia. In 18th century England, a kissing ball of mistletoe evoked romance and goodwill.

The practice of fruit thinning is important for increasing the size of tree fruits. Often, fruit trees set such heavy crops that individual fruits do not grow to a satisfactory size.

In January I visited a small property to help identify various plants that had taken over an acre of unirrigated land. The property owner wanted to know how to manage the weeds, and if horses could safely graze them.

by Julie Pramuk When we moved into our new home last December, there were two bare trees flanking a camellia tree. I had no idea what they were, but I pruned off the dead branches until I thought I'd left a healthy looking structure. Then, I waited.

Learn about emerging invasive tree pests in our area threatening citrus and many other local trees.

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I'm late on posting this, but thought it might still be useful...

Karen Jetter, Research Economist with UC Agricultural Issues Center is interested in getting grower input into the research areas that you would like the University of California to prioritize to better serve California growers.

By Penny Pawl, UC Master Gardener of Napa County Spring is imminent, so it is time to be planning your summer garden. Napa County Master Gardeners will be offering a large variety of organic tomato seedlings for sale on Saturday, April 9. The online sale was on April 3.

Bees are VIPs - Very Important Pollinators.