UC Master Gardener Program of Contra Costa County
Winter is when gardens rest—and gardeners prepare.
Protect your soil, prune wisely, enrich your beds, and dream of spring’s return. What you do now sets the stage for a thriving growing season ahead. May this winter bring you rest, reflection, and the quiet joy of planning what will bloom again.
Warmest wishes for the season and the year ahead.
Spring will be here before we know it!
UC Master Gardeners of Contra Costa County will resume their regular schedule in February, but don’t wander off just yet!
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
for the 2026 Great Tomato Plant Sale
in 3 Contra Costa County Areas!
The countdown is officially on for our beloved Great Tomato Plant Sale (GTPS), kicking off April 11th!
Visit our 2026 GTPS Intro Page for more information.
Don’t Miss Our First Webinar of 2026
Good Bug, Bad Bug
Tuesday, February 17 I 6:30 p.m. - 7:45 p.m.
In collaboration with the Contra Costa County Library.
Registration will open soon. Check back often so you don’t miss your chance to join us.
Stay Connected:
- garden talks at our demonstration gardens will start shortly after the Great Tomato Plant Sale (GTPS),
- 'Ask a Master Gardener Table' events at local farmers markets will be posted soon,
- as well as local library talks, and special events.
Visit often to stay informed!
The best way to keep up with our latest news, events, and seasonal tips is to Sign Up for our newsletter, News to Grow By.
In the meantime, enjoy inspiring winter gardening articles in our most recent issue, which is available now.
Need an "Ask a Master Gardener" Table?
Are you interested in an “Ask a Master Gardener” table at your Farmers Market or community event?
Complete our Table Request Form and we will contact you!
Looking for a Speaker?
Does your organization need a speaker for an upcoming event?
Our speakers are available.
Use our Speaker Request Form.
Need Advice to Grow By? Ask Us!
UC Master Gardener advice and problem diagnosis services are available to help you with your gardening questions year-round, by phone or email. Our Help Desk volunteers can help you identify a mysterious pest, locate the best plants for your specific situation, and offer advice for sustainable gardening practices.
Photographs help!
Email us at ccmg@ucanr.edu.
Phone: (925) 608-6683
Check out our Help Desk web page here
In your request, include your name, phone number, and city (the best plant advice depends on local conditions!).
Describe the problem in detail. Tell us what's going on. Please include the name and age of the plant if you know it, when the problem began, and where on the plant you found it, plus cultivation history such as watering, fertilizing, pruning, pesticides, construction, etc.
Send photographs! Please show us the whole plant, the plant in its location, close-ups of the affected part, including any visible signs of pests, and both sides of damaged leaves.
Have You Seen Our Blog HOrT COCO Lately?
Our Help Desk team presents HOrT COCO every other Monday. You can get timely gardening tips, find answers to frequently asked questions, and read about the truly unique requests for help we respond to. Check it out! And don't forget to subscribe! Just click the blue subscribe button at the top of the right column in the blog.
Join our online webinars and see recordings on our YouTube channel. When you Sign up for our newsletter, you will receive email notices of upcoming webinars and events. Or join us on Facebook.
Contact
UC Master Gardener Program of Contra Costa County
(925) 608-6683, ccmg@ucanr.edu, http://ccmg.ucanr.edu/
We're on YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram too!