Gardening News and Articles for Merced County

By Dino Migliazzo, UC Master Gardener of Merced County Few insects can empty a backyard picnic faster than a swarm of yellowjackets. In California, the western yellowjacket (Vespula pensylvanica) is the most common ground-nesting species and is responsible for most unpleasant encounters with these…

By Pat ShayKeep after weeds - staying on top of them when they are small is much easier than trying to get rid of them when they have begin to choke out producing plants.Water - a constant issue in summer gardening.  Monitor plants and maintain enough water to keep everything from wilting without…

The 2026 Fair Demonstration GardenBy Judy MacLaren, UC Master Gardener of Merced County  If you visited the Horticulture exhibit area at last month's Merced County Fair, you may have seen the beautiful 20 foot by 24 foot demonstration garden designed, created, and built by the UC Master Gardeners…

By Pat Shay, UC Master Gardener of Merced CountyHarvest herbs – cut sprigs just before bloom for best taste. Continue to monitor pests and remove with spray from hose. Try to avoid unnecessary chemical controls. Mulch to help retain moisture in soil and slow weeds. Leave ground open from base of plant to…

By Marc Medefind, UC Master Gardener of Merced CountyWhen’s the best time to plant a tree? It’s a great question and I always smile at the answer: “20 years ago.” The answer to the ensuing question — When’s the second best time to plant a tree?” is even better: “Today!”Right now (even today!) before the…

By Pat Shay, UC Master Gardener of Merced CountyIt’s the time of the year we’ve all been waiting for, right!? Warmer temps, so we can start planting. Loads of marked up catalogs and seed packets ready for use. A couple of bags of fresh potting soil to start the seeds and pot up starts either from our own…

  Why Container Gardening?By Dennis B, UC Master Gardener of Merced CountyWe often are asked how to grow vegetables and herbs when conditions are limited. Container Gardening is the answer!Works in poor or compacted soilsIs portable and flexibleIdeal for apartments and patiosHelps avoid invasive…

By Pat Shay, UC Master Gardener of Merced CountyIt’s the time of the year we’ve all been waiting for, right!? Warmer temps, so we can start planting. Loads of marked up catalogs and seed packets ready for use. A couple of bags of fresh potting soil to start the seeds and pot up starts either from our own…

By Denise Glassett, UC Master Gardener of Merced CountyIn March around St. Patrick’s Day you can find shamrock plants for sale in stores and nurseries. What is it about these plants that intrigues us?The shamrock plant holds a special place in Irish culture, recognized worldwide as a symbol of luck and…