Gardening Skills | UC Master Gardener Program of Alameda County

Learn about tool maintenance as well as how to's of watering, repotting plants, propagation, seed starting, plant selection, and planning your garden

Vegetable garden with pots watered by drip system

Over the Fence (Alameda County): Article

Watering Vegetables - the Basics

June 23, 2025

By Linda Carloni

Learn how and when to water vegetables in Alameda County. Get tips on soil, plant needs, and irrigation methods to keep your garden healthy and water-wise.

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Over the Fence (Alameda County): Article

Understanding Plant Labels: A Gardener's Guide

March 16, 2025

By Jim Farr

Confused by plant labels? Master Gardeners explain how to read plant tags so you can make smart choices for your garden.

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A grafted tomato plant. Photo: UC Davis Tomato Genetics Resource Center Image Library.

Over the Fence (Alameda County): Article

Plant Propagation for Home Gardeners, Part 2: A Comprehensive Guide to Grafting Methods

January 14, 2025

By Jim Farr

Explore plant propagation through grafting with tips from Master Gardeners of Alameda County. Learn how to successfully graft plants in your garden!

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Rooting basil in water from a cuttings - showing roots

Over the Fence (Alameda County): Article

Plant Propagation for Home Gardeners: A Comprehensive Guide

November 18, 2024

By Jim Farr

Learn easy plant propagation techniques in this guide —perfect for home gardeners looking to grow more for less.

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Planning your Spring Garden Now Will Pay Dividends Later

Plan your spring garden now for future beauty and bounty! Get tips on planning, reviewing garden history, choosing plants, seed starting, and more!

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UC Master Gardener Program of Alameda County: Page

Starting Seeds for Your Summer Garden Indoors

Learn how to start summer vegetable seeds indoors with expert tips for a successful garden. Learn why starting from seeds is better than getting seedlings.

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Yellowing leaves of citrus in a container

Over the Fence (Alameda County): Article

A How To for Repotting Woody Plants in Containers, Especially Trees and Shrubs

January 2, 2024

By Judy Quan

Find out when and how to repot trees and shrubs in containers with guidance from the UC Master Gardeners of Alameda County.

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Over the Fence (Alameda County): Article

Garden tool cleaning and maintenance

January 3, 2024

By Michelle Chin

Keep your garden tools in top shape with these care and maintenance tips, tailored for gardeners.

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Over the Fence (Alameda County): Article

8 Water Wise Tips That You Can Start Today

July 8, 2024

By Jim Farr

Stay waterwise this summer with practical tips for gardeners to conserve water and keep landscapes healthy from the UC Master Gardeners of Alameda County.

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Types of sprinklers you may find in your garden, pipe tape and a riser

Over the Fence (Alameda County): Article

Warm Season Irrigation Checklist

June 5, 2024

By Erin Wright, Diane Allen

Essential warm season irrigation checklist for Alameda County gardens. Test sprinklers, drip systems & timers to keep plants thriving all summer.

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