Ongoing research

 Before rolling out landscape fabric to keep weeds at bay, consider the effects on your soil and plants. Landscape or “weed blocking” fabric, usually made of plastic or polyester, has varying degrees of permeability. Over time, holes in the fabric get clogged, preventing the movement of water, oxygen…

Urban farms face unique challenges from pocket gophers. Unlike rural fields, urban farms are often smaller, intensively managed, and located near homes, parks, or other landscaped areas. These conditions can actually increase gopher pressure: food is concentrated, protective cover may be abundant, and…

California’s urban forests deserve nothing less than “Fancy” trees. Jessie Godfrey, UC ANR Environmental Horticulture and Water Resource Management Advisor, is elevating the work of “Team Fancy,” a group of nursery professionals advocating for state-specific tree quality standards. These standards aim to…

La temporada de cosecha comenzó de manera especial en Tanaka Farms, Irvine, con la Primera Celebración de los Héroes de la Cosecha, un evento que rindió homenaje a los agricultores y colaboradores que han transformado el sistema alimentario local.Este año, la apertura de Tanaka Farms, uno de los huertos de…

Blog by Cindy YeeI've always looked forward to the plant exchange, even before becoming a master gardener.  It feels like a plant Christmas and is such a fun event for MGs who generously grow and donate everything, and the public who gleefully find all kinds of beautiful plants, trees, cuttings, roots,…

The University of California Office of the President invites comments on the following two proposed policy changes.Employee Comment: Proposed Presidential Policy on Sustainable PracticesUCOP invites comments on the proposed revisions to the existing Presidential Policy on Sustainable Practices. The policy is…

Since we’re approaching fall and the best time to plant many landscape trees, it’s time to talk about staking those trees. Many newly planted trees do not need to be staked. Trees that might benefit include those planted in windy areas or on slopes, trees planted in sandy soil, and top-heavy trees with no…