Introduction

Getting started in the garden doesn’t have to feel overwhelming—or take years to figure out. The Growing Gardeners Program from the Master Gardeners of Contra Costa County is designed to help you jump in with confidence, whether you’re planting your first container, starting a backyard bed, or joining a school or community garden.

Our newly updated handbook is now available online, making it easier than ever to explore practical, easy-to-follow guidance at your own pace. You can choose from a collection of engaging, printable articles that walk you through the essentials of sustainable gardening—so you’re not just learning, you’re growing fresh, healthy food right from the start.

Read a bit of history about this Handbook (available soon)

Table of Contents

Planning Your Garden

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1.1. Site Selection
1.2. Raised Beds
1.3. Growing Vegetables in Containers
1.4. Plant Selection

Getting Started

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2.1. Soil Preparation
2.2. Seed Starting
2.3. Transplanting
2.4. Composting
2.5. Wise Water Use

Pest Management

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3.1. Pests in the Garden
3.2. Beneficial Insects and other Biological Control
3.3. Pest Triangle
3.4. Weeds
3.5. Diseases
3.6. Insects

Harvesting

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4.1. Food Safety in your Home Vegetable Garden

Appendix

• 5.1. Principal parts of a Vascular Plant
• 5.2. Principal Parts of a Flower
• 5.3. Garden Chemicals Safe Use & Disposal

Resources

A previous edition of this handbook from 2018 in PDF format has been discontinued because of accessibility reasons.

The UC Master Gardener Program of Contra Costa County is committed to providing an accessible and inclusive web experience for all users. If you encounter an accessibility barrier or need content in an alternative or remediated accessible format, please contact CoCoMGmedia@ucanr.edu