Test PB Collection: FTE

Here are two articles on citrus cultural practices from knowledgeable UC Master Gardeners. The first, by Charles Davis, focuses on citrus history and Southern California-specific advice. The second, by Thorv Hessellund, offers practical, step-by-step tips for home gardeners?s.

By Sandy Daly and Kim Wilson, UC Master Gardeners Yellow citrus leaves are often due to root dysfunction caused by issues related to irrigation, disease or nutritional deficiencies.

By Kim Wilson and Linda Robertson, UC Master Gardeners Asian Citrus psyllid (ACP) and the devastating citrus disease Huanglongbing (HLB) are a serious concern for all California residents who enjoy citrus, whether from their yards or the market.

By Linda Robertson, UC Master Gardener There is a long tradition of growing citrus trees in pots. In the 17th and 18th centuries, European gentry had orangeries and gardens lined with citrus trees in containers that were moved into heated greenhouses for the winter.

By Ray Festa and Andy Tupper, UC Master Gardeners Composting is a great way to recycle kitchen and yard waste and produce a beneficial soil amendment for your garden. With the proper tools, materials, and knowledge of basic rules, gardeners can produce quality compost.

Planting Strategies If you anticipate a dry season, plant shorter season crops and fewer crops Plant in blocks, rather than rows. This creates shade for roots and reduces evaporation. Control weeds, they are competing with the vegetables for the water supply.

Adapted from UC Master Gardener Program of Marin County Cover crops are plants grown primarily to improve soil. Planted when traditional garden crops are not present, they enrich soil and provide numerous other benefits. Cover crops are often referred to as a green manure.

By Cory Kelso, UC Master Gardener Planting Choose a site that is sunny and out of strong wind. If you live in North Count or in an area that gets very hot, plant your dahlias where they will get some afternoon shade. Dahlias like well-drained soil. Prepare soil using a good quality planting mix.

By Peggy Rice, UC Master Gardener Orchids are: Mostly epiphytes that grow on branches, roots in air Not parasites, but are fully photosynthetic Recognize by flowers - 3 sepals and 3 petals (lip), fused reproductive organs Over 27,000 recognized species, grow everywhere except polar and desert re...

By Tami Reece, UC Master Gardener January: Buy, plant and prune roses this month. The goal of pruning is to have satisfactory airflow and sunlight penetration into the bush. Pruning also helps coax the rose bush into dormancy. Prune out diseased, damaged, dead and crossing branches.