UC Marin Master Gardeners

IJ Archive

Help Desk | Events Calendar | Español | Garden Walks | Marin IJ Archive | Leaflet | Edible Demo Garden | Falkirk Garden | Harvey's Garden | Youth Programs | School & Community Gardens | Speakers Bureau | Master Gardener Program

UC Marin Master Gardener Articles in the Marin Independent Journal

UC Marin Master Gardeners have contributed to the Marin Independent Journal's "Ask a Master Gardener" column every Saturday since 1999. We have a team of dedicated writers who have covered nearly every aspect of gardening for Marin County over the years. Search our archives below by category of interest, or use the search box to locate stories by year, month or specific subject.

Leaflet Archive

HELP DESK

A small hole in the skin of a fig caused by a Black Fig Fly

UC Marin Master Gardeners: Article

Do you have a fig tree? Be on the lookout for the black fig fly.

May 25, 2024

If you've got fig trees, listen up because there's a new troublemaker who's headed our way – the black fig fly (Silba adipata). Hailing all the way from the Mediterranean region, this little critter has become a real headache for fig enthusiasts in southern California, making itself at home in counties…

Marin Master Gardener No Dig Edible Demonstration Garden at the Indian Valley Organic Farm and Garden

UC Marin Master Gardeners: Article

The no dig garden - the art and the science of gardening with nature

May 18, 2024

Gardeners are increasingly practicing an earth-friendly set of gardening principles collectively known as No Dig. They have found that in the garden, less really can be more. In addition to the obvious time and energy saved by not digging or turning the soil, gardeners can enjoy bountiful harvests…

Sempervivum arachnoideum (hens and chicks) in bloom

UC Marin Master Gardeners: Article

Succulents that attract hummingbirds, bees, and other pollinators

May 11, 2024

There’s so much to love about succulents—the fascinating patterns of their foliage, their incredible ability to hold water, and their flowers.Flowers?Yes, all succulents produce beautiful flowers—some each year, and some aloe succulents can even bloom several times a year. And these flowers can attract…

Powdery mildew on dahlia leaves

UC Marin Master Gardeners: Article

Fungal diseases of plants

May 4, 2024

Fungi are the most common causal agent of plant disease. Of the more than two to four million species of fungi worldwide, eight thousand are known to be detrimental to plants. These microscopic organisms cause symptoms such as root and crown wilts, leaf spots, rusts, cankers, downy and powdery mildews,…

strawberry pot planted with strawberry plants

UC Marin Master Gardeners: Article

Bountiful berries

April 27, 2024

How about some blueberry muffins, raspberry scones, or strawberry shortcakes? They can be yours with some work in your garden. There’s nothing like an edible sun-kissed harvest. Not only are the berries good for humans, but their blossoms provide pollen and nectar for beneficial insects and food for birds…

basket of ripe tomatoes

UC Marin Master Gardeners: Article

Garden tips from the Internet – fact or fiction?

April 20, 2024

Ever wander through social media sites and wonder if you can really propagate roses by inserting cuttings into a tomato? How about "Magical DIY Fertilizer" or "Only garlic! Orchids immediately grow on branches and bloom year-round!" It's easy to get lost among the thousands of videos offering can't-fail…

platter of ripe red, orange, purple, and green tomatoes

UC Marin Master Gardeners: Article

Tomatoes, tomatoes, tomatoes

April 13, 2024

The annual UC Marin Master Gardener Tomato Market is our major fundraiser of the year. The proceeds go to supporting educational programs at schools and community gardens, as well as public seminars and other educational opportunities throughout Marin. Find out more about the upcoming Tomato Market,…

Amanita muscaria with their polka dot red caps are called the fairy tale mushroom

UC Marin Master Gardeners: Article

Have you ever thought about fungi?

April 6, 2024

I find mushrooms to be some of the most interesting life to be found. They come in infinite shapes, colors, and sizes. Some are edible and delicious. Others can be fatal if consumed. Some attract flies to spread themselves around. Some are even phosphorescent. And their root systems are amazing and can…

pink blossoms of Achillea or Yarrow

UC Marin Master Gardeners: Article

Frugal gardening through propagation

March 30, 2024

It’s easy to go to a garden store or nursery and spend more than you planned when the gorgeous blooms and dazzling colors are so tempting. But it’s just as easy to be a frugal gardener by propagating plants you already have. It’s fun, satisfying, and not as daunting as you might think.There are two…

hands planting seeds in trays of soil

UC Marin Master Gardeners: Article

Starting seeds, a closer look at starting your spring garden

March 23, 2024

Are you reading seed catalogs and dreaming of what to grow in our spring gardens? Starting flowers and vegetables from seeds is a good way to save money and give your garden a head start. An indoor seed starting project lets you choose from a wide variety of resources and costs less than purchasing…