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. 

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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. 

a green seedling emerges from dark soil
UC Master Gardeners of El Dorado County: Article

Central Sierra: Seed Starting Using the Winter Sowing Method

December 22, 2025
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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artichoke blossoms
UC Master Gardeners of El Dorado County: Article

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

November 13, 2025
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
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
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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a group of black eyed susan
UC Master Gardeners of Central Sierra: Article

Central Sierra: Late Summer Garden Spruce Ups

September 15, 2025
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
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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pink rose with bumble bee pollinator
UC Master Gardeners of El Dorado County: Article

Central Sierra: Welcoming Pollinators into Your Garden

August 20, 2025
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
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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two orange and green tomatoes with water droplets appear on a vine
UC Master Gardeners of El Dorado County: Article

Central Sierra: To Prune Tomatoes or Not to Prune Tomatoes

August 19, 2025
Understanding the when, why, and how of pruning tomatoes for the best yield To prune or not to prune tomatoes, that is a question that backyard tomato growers need to answer for themselves. Growing strong, healthy tomato plants increases the chance of getting a large crop of delicious tomatoes. The…
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healthy fresh peaches on a tree branch
UC Master Food Preservers of Central Sierra: Article

Central Sierra: Think Georgia Produces the Most Peaches? Think again!

August 19, 2025
Preserve It! Peaches!  Don't Hesitate to Buy Loads of Fuzzy Peaches (in season!)  Have you noticed that fresh peaches have more fuzz than peaches in grocery stores? Before peaches are sold in grocery stores, some of the fuzz is removed to make it more appealing. It is thought that too much fuzz on…
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