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UC Master Gardener Program of Alameda County

Gardening Skills

Learn about tool maintenance as well as how to's of watering, repotting plants, propagation, seed starting, plant selection, and planning your garden

Carrots should be planted from seed as the long tap roots are easily damaged leading to stunted growth and misshapen carrots.
Over the Fence (Alameda County): Article

Seeds vs starts? A practical guide for planting your spring vegetable garden

February 1, 2026
By Patsy Babbitt
IntroductionAfter you've enriched your soil and readied your pots or your beds for the vegetables you want to grow in the early spring, you'll need to decide whether to begin with seeds planted directly into the soil or to transplant already-started plants (“starts”) you get from a nursery or other source…
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Vegetable garden with pots watered by drip system
Over the Fence (Alameda County): Article

Watering Vegetables - the Basics

June 23, 2025
By Linda Carloni
Learn how and when to water vegetables in Alameda County. Get tips on soil, plant needs, and irrigation methods to keep your garden healthy and water-wise.
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Line items of a sample water bill
Over the Fence (Alameda County): Article

8 Water Wise Tips That You Can Start Today

July 8, 2024
By Jim Farr
Stay waterwise this summer with practical tips for gardeners to conserve water and keep landscapes healthy from the UC Master Gardeners of Alameda County.
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