Ongoing research

Tomato leaves with signs of Tobacco Mosaic Virus. Jack Kelly Clark, UC IPM Program
The Real Dirt: Article

A Virus in the Garden

June 24, 2025
Most gardeners are aware of plant diseases that can wreak havoc in their gardens. If you grow fruit trees, you may be confronted with curled, reddened peach leaves (peach leaf curl fungus). If you grow apples or pears, your trees may sometimes look like they were scorched with a blow torch (fire blight…
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The Stanislaus Sprout: Article

Dazzling Dragonflies

June 24, 2025
By Anne E Schellman
 I’m always delighted to see the first dragonflies of the summer zipping through my garden. Dragonflies are such magical creatures with their dazzling aerobatics, vibrant colors, and wings shimmering in the sunlight. These fascinating insects are easily recognized by their long, slender bodies and…
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The Stanislaus Sprout: Article

UC Master Gardener Spotlight: Get to Know Denise Godbout-Avant

June 24, 2025
By Anne E Schellman
 You may recognize her name from the numerous articles she has authored for The Stanislaus Sprout. Denise answers a few questions so you can get to know her better. Denise, what inspired you to become a UC Master Gardener? One of my friends who lives in Greeley Hill became a Master Gardener…
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UC ANR Human Resources: Page

Learning and Development Resources

Resources to Grow Your Skills and CareerUse this page to find various resources to boost your professional development.  Extension FoundationExtension Foundation is a knowledge-to-action service integral part of the U.S. Cooperative Extension System that helps professionals (advisers, educators,…
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UC Master Food Preservers of Central Sierra: Event

Central Sierra: Making Pickles & Condiments | El Dorado County

Aug 23, 2025

Pickling is easy. Learn the ins and outs of canning pickles and other condiments. Basic boiling water and steam canning will be taught. Fun pickling recipes will be presented. This class is suitable for beginners and advanced. 
UC Master Food Preservers of Central Sierra
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UC Master Food Preservers of Central Sierra: Event

Central Sierra: Canning Salsa, Peppers, and Spices | El Dorado County

Aug 9, 2025

Salsa! There are so many different kinds. In this class basic waterbath and steam canning will be taught. We will have some creative recipes for canning salsas, peppers using some DIY spices mixes. This class is suitable for beginners and advanced. 
UC Master Food Preservers of Central Sierra
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The Stanislaus Sprout: Article

See you at the Stanislaus County Fair! (July 11-20, 2025)

June 24, 2025
By Anne E Schellman
 Get ready, garden lovers — the UC Master Gardener volunteers are at the fair from July 11–20, 2026! Swing by our table inside the Floriculture Building, just inside the fairgrounds near the Arch gate off 900 North Broadway in Turlock.FREE ‘Black Beauty’ Squash SeedsStop by our table and learn more…
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Side view of West Virginia Capitol building
The Backyard Gardener: Article

A Tale of Two Capitols

June 24, 2025
By Dustin W Blakey
I recently attended a conference in Charleston, West Virginia. In case your 5th Grade History Neurons have deteriorated from lack of use, that’s their state capital. While there, I took a long walk from my hotel through historic neighborhoods to check out the grounds while I was waiting for my flight out of…
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cut avocado displaying brown pit and green flesh

The AB's of Avocado

June 24, 2025
By Jennifer M Baumbach
Blog by Tina Saravia A few years ago I purchased a Bacon Avocado (Persea americana) in a 5-gallon can. As its botanical name indicates, it is native to the Americas (Mexico, Central America, and South America) and belongs to the Laurel family. It is an evergreen tree that can grow up to 66 feet or 20…
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