The Savvy Sage

two purple sage flowers with a green background of foliage

A Master Gardeners blog to: Educate, Inspire, and Ignite Knowledge.

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Photo of a person holding a selection of ripe vegetables from a garden.

August Vegetable Guide

July 26, 2026
By Peg Smith
 If you started brassica seeds in late July, you may have some seedlings that look ready to transplant in late August, but temperatures can be searingly hot, so deciding when to transplant brassica seedlings, such as broccoli and cabbage, into vegetable beds will always be a judgement call dependent on…
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Two squash bees resting in a yellow-green flower.

August Garden Tips

July 26, 2026
By Peg Smith
 The summer this year has been a mix of seasonally expected highs with periods of cooler weather. As gardeners we appreciate moderate summer weather for ourselves and our gardens. We do need to continue to avoid overdoing our personal strength and energy supply. Working early mornings, staying hydrated,…
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Purple petunias growing in a flower bed.

Re-Evaluating Petunias in the Landscape

July 24, 2026
By Sue Fitz
  Petunias have been a staple in nurseries for years, and when I was a young gardener, seduced by their bright, clear colors, I tried them several times and gave up. They were too much work, and the reward was too small. They were fragile and hard to keep alive, needed constant deadheading to keep…
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Inline drip irrigation peeking out from under a layer of straw mulch.

Ask a Master Gardener

July 15, 2026
By Deborah Cunningham
Question: How do I save water in my vegetable garden this year? Answer: Growing a vegetable garden with less water is possible by combining efficient watering practices, soil improvement and protection, and careful selection of the crops you grow...
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Bright green leaves of a large potato planted in a half wine barrel.

Ask a Master Gardener

July 15, 2026
By Deborah Cunningham
Question: How do you grow potatoes? Answer: Potatoes are nutritious, versatile, and easy to grow. They can be planted directly into the ground, or grown in containers such as pots, bags, and even “straw towers.” ...
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