Ongoing research

The Child and Adult Care Food Program, or CACFP, is the largest federal nutrition program for childcare, providing nutritious foods and beverages to over 4.5 million children nationally. Nutrition Policy Institute researchers interviewed family childcare home provider CACFP participants, their sponsors and…

So far it’s been a wet fall here in the Central Valley. As of the last week of November, the Fresno/Madera area had received over 4 inches of rain. The normal amount of rainfall in this area in late November is 1.15 inches; last year’s amount was 0.29 inches.The good news is that root systems for…

Ah, December is a time to relax (a bit) and be thankful for your beautiful blooms throughout the year. It is also a time of reflection. Is there a rose that is struggling? Did your roses meet your expectations for this year (and perhaps several years in the past)? Is it time for a change? Don’t be…

The winter holidays are filled with traditions — cozy gatherings, comforting foods, and the joy of giving. But from a mental wellbeing perspective, the way we give gifts can either nurture connection or add unnecessary stress.The Capitalist Crunch Every year, “Black Friday creep” starts earlier,…

 Gardens are meant for plants, right? So why encourage birds to join us there? The most obvious reason is that many of us love birds.  They are beautiful to look at, and we delight in hearing them sing. Birds bring a whole extra dimension to the enjoyment of nature in your outdoor place. But even…

 Gardens are meant for plants, right? So why encourage birds to join us there? The most obvious reason is that many of us love birds.  They are beautiful to look at, and we delight in hearing them sing. Birds bring a whole extra dimension to the enjoyment of nature in your outdoor place. But even…

By Dorothy Volker, UC Master Gardener of Nevada County From The Curious Gardener, Winter 2007So, when the kids are helping you cook or clean up after dinner, (they do help with that, don't they?) has anyone ever thought about where "away" is when you throw food scraps away? Well, when you think about it, you…

Sandy Kewman, UC Master Gardener of Nevada County Master Gardener From The Curious Gardener, Spring 2008A compost pile is an eco-system; provide the food and the guests will come!Spring-like weather brings up the urge to prune and plant, to top dress or mulch with compost...Compost! What's been…

Mary Sanichas, UC Master Gardener of Nevada County From The Curious Gardener, Fall 2011You might say, “I already am composting without breaking my back.” Compost definitely happens when you throw your garden trimmings, kitchen waste, dog hair, fingernail clippings, and other suitable organic matter into…

Kevin Marini, Master Gardeners of Placer County Coordinator From The Curious Gardener, Spring 2007There comes a time in every avid gardener’s life where you take a good, long look at yourself in the mirror and admit that you are putting too much time and energy into one area of your garden. The cries and…