Ongoing research

Going by common names such as Blueblossom, California Lilac or Mountain Lilac, it's not surprising that Ceanothus are popular shrubs for many styles of gardens, with spectacular blooms in colors ranging from pale to very deep blue/purple or white. Blooming in late winter or spring, they are valuable early…

 Strike up the band!We greeted the first monarch of the year in our Vacaville pollinator garden today. The female arrived at 12: 45 p. m. and laid eggs on five milkweed plants. She sipped a little nectar. A male Gulf Fritillary chased her, a spider eyed her, lady beetles ignored her, and the cat that…

What is Qualtrics? Qualtrics is web-based software that allows users to create surveys and generate reports.  Why use Qualtrics? Qualtrics enables you to design and distribute high-quality surveys and forms. Results can be viewed in reports and can be downloaded. A Qualtrics account is…

To support a smooth and consistent volunteer transfer process, the statewide office has created two helpful letter templates in response to requests from local Program Coordinators. These templates are designed to make transferring volunteers between UC Master Gardener Programs easier for everyone involved…

 In July's edition of the Pesticide Regulation bulletin published by the California Department of Pesticide Regulation, urban pest expert Dr. Andrew Sutherland outlines key strategies for implementing effective Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs. These include using physical control methods like…

 Thinking About Becoming a UC Master Gardener? Here's What You Need to Know The name “UC Master Gardener” might sound intimidating, but don’t let the title fool you. You don’t need to be a gardening expert to apply!  What it really means is: you care about your community, enjoy helping others,…

Please find the attached document to provide the previous week’s estimated water use report in terms of evapotranspiration for almonds, peaches, walnuts, established vineyard, alfalfa, and pasture in Stanislaus County. This report may be used as a guide in your irrigation schedule for the…

Citrus InformationDr. Robert McNeil, emeritus professor of the Fruit Science Department at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, taught citriculture and avoculture there for many years.  He has made his citrus notes available on our website - https://ucanr.edu/sites/default/files/2025-07/mc%20neil%20citrus%20guide…