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.

April Vegetable Planting Guide

March 30, 2026
By Deborah Cunningham
 Article by Peg Smith -  April is a transition month between cool-season and warm-season crops. As soon as the soil is warm enough, transplant tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, etc. Transplants will have enough time to produce healthy vegetative and root growth before the summer heat and fruit…
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Photo of lavender and yellow violas growing with lush green leaves.

April Garden Tips

March 30, 2026
By Deborah Cunningham
 Article by Peg Smith - As gardeners, beginners or experienced, we have a strong spring urge to see what we can add to our collection of plants. Nurseries and plant sales are well stocked; seed racks are replenished; catalogues entice us. The million-dollar question is, will it thrive in our…
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Photo of a bee hovering near blossoms on an almond tree.

NUTS! That’s a Lot of Bees

March 18, 2026
By Deborah Cunningham
 Questions About Honey Bees, Almonds, and the Pollination IndustryArticle by Greg Wessels - Small Bees, Big IndustryLast year, I attended the Almond Conference in Sacramento. Immediately upon entering the rather plain-looking double doors, I was struck by the scale of the floor space. Exhibitors…
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Photo of a orange and brown monarch butterfly perched on a flower stalk.

How City Parks Can Contribute to Conservation

March 18, 2026
By Deborah Cunningham
 Article  by Diana Herrera - When I began working in regional and city parks two years ago, I started to look at parks differently. I had always enjoyed seeing stretches of freshly cut lawn dotted with trees. I associated that with being outdoors in a space that was well cared for. As I began…
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Photo of ripe red and unripe green tomatoes growing in a cluster on a tomato plant.

Ask a Master Gardener

March 11, 2026
By Deborah Cunningham
Question: I would like to plant tomatoes in my garden this year. What tips do you have? What varieties should I try? Answer: Growing tomatoes in your own garden can be very rewarding. Our long sunny summers and warm evenings create excellent conditions for tomatoes. And while it can sometimes be too…
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