Ongoing research

 This series provides answers to selected questions recently submitted to the UC Master Gardeners of Yolo County Help Desk.Question: I would like advice on the most pollinator-safe herbicides and insecticides to use and how best to use them.Answer: Although most insects are useful for something,…

Article and photos by Kate Bear - This article is the second of three articles addressing different aspects of transitioning my yard to one that better meets my desires. The work is ongoing as ideas occur to me. The following is a discussion about rejuvenating a planter, a hedge, and a trumpet…

  Sixteen years ago, Sue Lafferty came through the door of CalFresh Healthy Living, University of California Cooperative Extension in Kings County to share her passion for nutrition education, gardening and youth education. But her passions don’t stop there. As a dedicated and trusted member…

 Article and photos by Peg Smith - On a wander through the garden, I noticed this whimsical pattern on the new growth of the grapefruit tree caused by the larvae of the Citrus Leafminer Moth, a native of Asia and a relative newcomer affecting California’s citrus industry. First detected in Imperial…

Article and photo by Peg Smith - Our summer has been remarkably kind with its temperatures this year. I think I should whisper this in case summer decides to throw at us those late-season high temperatures and winds that we have experienced before. Continue to avoid overdoing your personal strength and…

 Article by Kathy Guerrero - My grandmother was the sole inspiration in my lifelong gardening adventures. Her garden in The Berkeley Hills was breathtaking. She was the best cook I’ve ever known. I attribute this to her use of fresh herbs in nearly everything she cooked. My earliest memories were…

UC Cooperative Extension specialist Steve Fennimore has retired after 28 years with the UC Davis Department of Plant Sciences. But this milestone only marks the beginning of a new chapter for the weed scientist.

Statewide Evaluation Quarter 3 Reports are ready for your useQ3 reports are now available on BOX! Thank you for your continued participation in collecting the valuable data that make these statistics possible. These reports represent data that were collected after public education events between July 2024…

This is a question I have gotten several times in the past few days. As rice starts heading, and given that the price of rice is bad, can we cut the fungicide? The main reason to use a fungicide is to prevent diseases. The main disease we are worried about is blast. Blast can be devastating. However, we…

At the San Diego County Fair, between the thrill of carnival rides and the sweet scent of funnel cakes, the Del Mar Fairgrounds transformed into an unexpected classroom, where families discovered how to eat well, reduce food waste, and live healthier lives. This year, the fair featured “Farm 2 U: A Taste of…