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By Trish Grenfell, UC Master Gardener of Placer CountyQ: Soon I will be raking leaves up and into the green garbage bin. This year I am considering a compost pile but I am afraid it is too much trouble. What is involved?A: As renowned horticulturist Felder Rushing advises, “Quit throwing that…
Jesse Locks, UC Master Gardener of Nevada County From The Curious Gardener, Winter 2007Due to increasing concerns over air pollution in Nevada and Placer Counties, gardeners are exploring alternatives to burning their leaves, shrub and tree trimmings.Chipping yard prunings to be used in either compost or as…
Watering During Winter DroughtBy Trish Grenfell, UC Master Gardener of Placer County MasterQ: I never water my lawn and plants in the winter but am wondering what happens when we experience an unusual long dry spell like this December? A: Thank you for asking this question. For those of us who…
By Johanne Ryker, UC Master Gardener of Placer County Q: How much and how often should I be watering my vegetable garden?A: Gardens in our area normally require some irrigation, especially in summer. Irrigation that is inadequate will cause a significant reduction in productivity. However, water…
Mary Gish, Nevada County Master Gardener From The Curious Gardener, Spring 2007Now that spring is here and the majority of the rainy season is over, your plants will have an increased need for water. The following check list is geared for a drip irrigation system that is designed to deliver water frequently…
Jesse Locks, Nevada County Master Gardner From The Curious Gardener, Spring 2009Water is scarce! But essential for our existence and supplies are increasingly coming under pressure. Only 3% of the world’s water is fresh and less than a third of 1% of this is available to humans. We may not have power…
By Vic Biswell, UC Master Gardener of Placer CountyQ: I have heard that drip irrigation is a way to save water in the garden, but I know nothing about it? Is it something I can do myself?A: It is a water distribution method which was actually used in ancient times to efficiently deliver water…
University of California Cooperative Extension, Placer and Nevada Counties Publication Number 31-190 (revised August 2003)AUTHOR: Dorothy Volker, Nevada County Master Gardener. EDITED BY Cindy Fake, Horticulture & Small Farms Advisor, Nevada & Placer Counties.if your soil is not healthy the rest…
By Trish Grenfell, UC Master Gardeners of Placer CountyQ: Many stores carry bagged topsoil but they all seem to vary in color from light brown to ash. How do I know which is a good soil to use for planting?A: Topsoil is supposed to be the top layer of the soil which has gone through a very long…
By Trish Grenfell, UC Master Gardeners of Placer CountyQ: I thought coffee grounds were too acidic to use as a mulch or to add to a compost pile. Now I see that Starbucks is offering customers complimentary spent coffee grounds for their garden. I am confused. Help!A: Coffee grounds are a…
