Ongoing research

Foxtail fern is not a fern; note the berries.
The Savvy Sage: Article

Ferns

November 24, 2025
By Deborah Cunningham
 Article and photos by Peg Smith - As a young child, my experiences with ferns included long walks across Derbyshire moorland where the bracken was twice as tall as I was. Other moorland ferns indicated boggy areas to avoid. Then there was the almost compulsory maidenhair fern house plant that…
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A whole dark purple-skinned sweetpotato flanked by pieces of purple sweetpotato flesh cut into curls

Purple sweet potatoes create buzz

November 24, 2025
By Pamela S Kan-Rice
When West Coast consumers buy sweet potatoes at a store, chances are good that they will be choosing varieties that were selected by Scott Stoddard, UCCE farm advisor.
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three straw forms resembling minions from Despicable Me
Under the Solano Sun: Article

Agricultural Miku

November 24, 2025
By Jennifer M Baumbach
Haiku by Mike Gunther    Protectors of fieldsAwaiting change of land useYields to dormancy 
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Merced County Cooperative Extension: Page

Agricultural Programs

Agronomy and Weed ScienceLivestock and Range ManagementOrchard CropsVegetable CropsAg Tourism in Merced CountyAgriculture's Impact, Public Policy and Land UsePest Management/Training ResourcesTree and Vine
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Merced County Cooperative Extension: Event

Sweetpotato Meeting Spring 2026

Feb 12, 2026

60th Annual SWEETPOTATO MEETING Thursday, February 12, 2026  8:00 am - noon  UCCE Classroom  2145 Wardrobe Ave., Merced  7:30 am Signing in, coffee, and Jantz Sweetpotato muffins. Sponsored by Brian Hegland, Teleos Ag Solutions. 8:00 Scott Stoddard. Research update on 2025 trials…
Merced County Cooperative Extension
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Meyer lemon tree
HOrT COCO-UC Master Gardener Program of Contra Costa: Article

Growing Happy, Healthy Meyer Lemon Trees

November 23, 2025
By Help Desk Team
  This time of year, we often hear from concerned growers of Meyer lemon trees and other citrus. The leaves are turning yellow, just as the fruit is nearing maturity. These symptoms are frequently due to nutrient deficiencies and/or too much or too little water. It could also be the cooling weather…
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UC Master Gardeners of Tulare and Kings County: Article

Is a Hedgerow Right for You?

November 22, 2025
By Peyton Ellas, UC Master Gardener of Tulare/Kings County
 When is a group of plants a hedgerow instead of just a planting bed?A hedgerow is mostly defined by its purpose, more than by the types of plants or even the shape of the planting area. The word comes from the Old English word "hegg," meaning boundary, generally formed by plants that are close…
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Fire House
UC Master Gardeners of Ventura County: Event

Firewise Living: From Structure to Landscape/Strathearn House

May 2, 2026

Photo credit UCANR Firewise Living: From Structure to LandscapeThis practical workshop equips homeowners with essential skills to reduce wildfire risks. Participants will learn strategies for creating defensible space around structures, including vegetation management, landscaping techniques, and home…
UC Master Gardeners of Ventura County
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Lilac Bush
UC Master Gardeners of Ventura County: Event

Nostalgia Gardening: Growing Memories In Your Backyard/Strathearn House

Apr 4, 2026

Nostalgia Gardening: Growing Memories In Your Backyard Photo credit Pixabay Journey back through the seasons of your life in this heartwarming class featuring cottage garden favorites, and beloved blooms that graced our grandparents' yards. Learn the elements of the gardening style called …
UC Master Gardeners of Ventura County
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tomatoes on vine
UC Master Gardeners of Ventura County: Event

Garden to Table Series - Tomato Time: Secrets of Growing Perfect Tomatoes/SH

Mar 28, 2026

 Garden to Table Series - Tomato Time: Secrets of Growing Perfect TomatoesPhoto Courtesy of PixabayCraving the unbeatable taste of sun-ripened tomatoes fresh from your own garden? Join us to discover why Ventura County's Mediterranean climate makes it the perfect place to grow these beloved fruits!…
UC Master Gardeners of Ventura County
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