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UC Master Gardener Program of Alameda County

Vegetable gardening

Learn how to select and grow vegetables, including herbs and tomatoes. Learn seed starting, pest management, and how to plan your seasonal garden.

Green grapes with white powdery blotches from powdery mildew
Over the Fence (Alameda County): Article

Managing Powdery Mildew

February 10, 2026
By Linda Carloni
Fungal diseases plague many different kinds of plants and their gardeners.  Fungal diseases tend to be persistent and can be difficult to manage.  Powdery mildew is one such disease.  It includes multiple fungal species and affects many different types of plants.  Powdery mildew…
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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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UC Master Gardener Program of Alameda County: Page

You Can Grow Tomatoes in a Shady or Foggy Garden

If you have a shady or foggy yard, there are tomato varieties that will grow well! The key to growing tomatoes in cooler climates is to grow varieties with shorter maturity days or that produce a harvest in cooler temperatures.
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Beautiful, juicy slicing tomato
Over the Fence (Alameda County): Article

Choosing Tomato Varieties Best for Your Garden

March 10, 2024
By Diane Allen
Get expert tips on choosing tomatoes for your garden from the Master Gardeners of Alameda County. Find the best varieties for flavor, yield, and growth!
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