Central Sierra: El Dorado County | Master Gardener | Gardening Articles

Featured Articles by UC Master Gardeners of El Dorado County

UC Master Gardeners in El Dorado County write articles for local publications on home horticulture, vegetable gardening, gardening for pollinators, irrigation, soil health, and seasonal garden chores, among other subjects of interest.

You can find those articles by clicking the link below.

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Central Sierra: Master Gardener Articles | El Dorado County

Published in local periodicals, this collection of articles is a treasure trove of advice from UC Master Gardeners of El Dorado County for the residents of this beautiful region.

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UC Master Gardeners of El Dorado County: Article

Central Sierra: Tech Can Help You Build a Smart Home Garden

March 18, 2026

Technology for the Home Gardener Technology can help the home gardener in myriad ways. Technology applies scientific knowledge for practical purposes to solve problems and make life better. Technology is a tool for the garden and gardeners. We can use it to complete routine tasks or tackle more…

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UC Master Gardeners of El Dorado County: Article

Central Sierra: From Now Til March, It's Time to Prune Your Roses

January 20, 2026

An Invitation to Garden Beauty: A Rose Pruning Primer It’s that pruning time of year! The period from Christmas until early March (depending on elevation) is the best time to get started. Your bushes will look more attractive and produce larger flowers with good pruning, and you can shape them to the…

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UC Master Gardeners of El Dorado County: Article

Central Sierra: Seed Starting Using the Winter Sowing Method

December 22, 2025

By Robin E Martin

What is the Winter Sowing method of seed starting? An effective, simple, and low-cost seed starting method, Winter Sowing is the process of starting seeds in containers outside during the winter months. Planting seeds in clear or translucent containers, such as milk jugs, creates a greenhouse effect,…

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UC Master Gardeners of El Dorado County: Article

Central Sierra: Take Advantage of Winter Dormancy for a Gorgeous Spring Bloom

November 13, 2025

By Robin E Martin

Winter Dormancy: Gardening For the Fourth Season The winter holidays are just around the corner, and hopefully you have your garden in order. Spring bulbs are planted. Garlic and potatoes are in the ground. Your garden has been “put to bed.” Tools have been sharpened and put away. Tender plants are…

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UC Master Gardeners of El Dorado County: Article

Central Sierra: Pruning Effectively for Strong, Beautiful Trees

October 24, 2025

By Robin E Martin

The Basics of Pruning Pruning isn’t just about keeping plants tidy, it’s about enhancing the health, structure, and appearance of your landscape. With the right tools and a little know-how, you can promote stronger growth, reduce disease, and even increase flowering in your trees and shrubs.Pruning…

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green lawn marred by piles of dirt dug up by a lawn pest

UC Master Gardeners of El Dorado County: Article

Central Sierra: What is Wrecking Your Lawn?

October 3, 2025

By Robin E Martin

How to identify the pests that are damaging your lawn What is wrecking your lawn? It could be skunks, raccoons, moles, voles, pocket gophers, or lawn insects. Each leave behind evidence and signs of their presence.Skunks are out at dusk, during the night, and at dawn in residential areas searching for…

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UC Master Gardeners of Central Sierra: Article

Central Sierra: Late Summer Garden Spruce Ups

September 15, 2025

By Robin E Martin

Planting Ideas for Late Summer Blooms Here are some late summer flowers that will rejuvenate the look of the garden and lift any gardener’s spirits. Summer Hyacinth, Ornithogalum candicans, is a perennial bulb; plant it now for next year’s bloom. It has a blooming funnel-shaped flower, and…

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garden featuring hanging lights and a variety of plants and flowers

UC Master Gardeners of El Dorado County: Article

Central Sierra: Create a Moonlight Garden

August 27, 2025

By Robin E Martin

Your Garden in the Moonlight Have you ever thought about creating a garden that would glow in the moonlight? Wander around your yard some night and consider a place where you could enjoy a peaceful, quiet get-away in the evening and dark. Based on the location and view, consider assorted forms, sizes,…

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UC Master Gardeners of El Dorado County: Article

Central Sierra: Welcoming Pollinators into Your Garden

August 20, 2025

By Robin E Martin

Pollinators benefit our gardens and the environmentSupporting pollinators is easy and beautiful here in the foothills. Fragrant blossoms attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds in our gardens. The pollinators support the health of our flora, both the gardens that we plant, and the commercial crops grown…

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a variety of small garden containers illustrates filler, spiller

UC Master Gardeners of El Dorado County: Article

Central Sierra: Container Gardening Basics

August 19, 2025

By Robin E Martin

Container Magic – Helpful How-to Tips on Planting Your Garden in a Container Container gardening is a fun and easy way to beautify a yard or small garden space. Containers are perfect for most environments and people of all gardening levels. They are portable and offer endless possibilities. Choose…

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