Ongoing research

Advice for the Home Gardener from the Help Desk of the UC Master Gardener Program of Contra Costa County Client's Request: Hello, I am a Master Gardener from San Juan County in WA and have recently come to reside off Alhambra Valley Road in Martinez and would like to start planning the reestablishme...

What are those curious, colorful, odd-looking growths you've seen growing on oak trees? Ever wonder what those little seeds are that jump around on the ground underneath oak trees in July or August?

Why is weed identification important? Simply stated, because not all management strategies are equally effective against all weed species.

Cotton lint stickiness is a significant problem, worldwide. It is also an issue here in California, and a major focus of attention for cotton growers and ginners in the state. Sticky cotton loads can physically slow down the processing speeds of gins, even to the point of shut down.

Cuando los productores estn considerando desempear un nuevo cultivo, y piensan en sus gastos y ingresos, estimaciones de costos de la Universidad de California pueden ayudar.

By Okhoo Hanes, U. C. Master Gardener of Napa County The olive tree (Olea europaea) is well suited to Napa Valley. The tree's Mediterranean origin makes it a natural fit for our sunny, arid and temperate climate.

I just returned from a 10-day camping vacation. It seems whenever I am away the temperature reaches triple digits. This year proved no different, except wondering how our recently planted citrus and avocado grove on the very exposed south side of the house endured.

By Polly Nelson UCCE Master Gardened...

It is important for food-safety reasons to manage rats in school and community gardens. Rats and other wildlife can carry a number of diseases that can be deposited in the form of urine and feces on fruit, vegetables, and in the soil.

Professor Rick Karban of the UC Davis Department of Entomology and Nematology, author of the landmark book, Plant Sensing and Communication (University of Chicago Press), says that plants can eavesdrop, sense danger in the environment, and can distinguish friend from foe.