Test PB Collection: FTE

Sandy Kewman, UC Master Gardener of Nevada County Master Gardener From The Curious Gardener, Spring 2008A compost pile is an eco-system; provide the food and the guests will come!Spring-like weather brings up the urge to prune and plant, to top dress or mulch with compost...Compost! What's been…

Mary Sanichas, UC Master Gardener of Nevada County From The Curious Gardener, Fall 2011You might say, “I already am composting without breaking my back.” Compost definitely happens when you throw your garden trimmings, kitchen waste, dog hair, fingernail clippings, and other suitable organic matter into…

Kevin Marini, Master Gardeners of Placer County Coordinator From The Curious Gardener, Spring 2007There comes a time in every avid gardener’s life where you take a good, long look at yourself in the mirror and admit that you are putting too much time and energy into one area of your garden. The cries and…

By Trish Grenfell, UC Master Gardener of Placer CountyQ: Soon I will be raking leaves up and into the green garbage bin. This year I am considering a compost pile but I am afraid it is too much trouble. What is involved?A: As renowned horticulturist Felder Rushing advises, “Quit throwing that…

Jesse Locks, UC Master Gardener of Nevada County From The Curious Gardener, Winter 2007Due to increasing concerns over air pollution in Nevada and Placer Counties, gardeners are exploring alternatives to burning their leaves, shrub and tree trimmings.Chipping yard prunings to be used in either compost or as…

Watering During Winter DroughtBy Trish Grenfell, UC Master Gardener of Placer County MasterQ: I never water my lawn and plants in the winter but am wondering what happens when we experience an unusual long dry spell like this December? A: Thank you for asking this question. For those of us who…

By Johanne Ryker, UC Master Gardener of Placer County Q: How much and how often should I be watering my vegetable garden?A:  Gardens in our area normally require some irrigation, especially in summer. Irrigation that is inadequate will cause a significant reduction in productivity. However, water…

Jesse Locks, Nevada County Master Gardner From The Curious Gardener, Spring 2009Water is scarce! But essential for our existence and supplies are increasingly coming under pressure. Only 3% of the world’s water is fresh and less than a third of 1% of this is available to humans. We may not have power…

By Vic Biswell, UC Master Gardener of Placer CountyQ: I have heard that drip irrigation is a way to save water in the garden, but I know nothing about it?  Is it something I can do myself?A: It is a water distribution method which was actually used in ancient times to efficiently deliver water…