Winter 2023

With the start of the rains in the Bay Area (thank goodness), this is a good time to incorporate native plants into your garden. There are so many possibilities between California native annuals and perennials.

Safe practices in the garden have always been a key focus of the UC Master Gardener Program. Preventing serious injuries to our volunteers involves many hours of training, tool sharpening, and using equipment properly.

Smart irrigation controllers are the intelligent choice for our gardens. They automatically adjust the irrigation schedule daily, based on changes in the weather. Theyre like a thermostat for your landscape.

Are you shocked at the prices of oranges and lemons at the grocery store? Do you know that you can grow your own oranges and lemons in a patio container for just the cost of water, fertilizer, and time? Citrus trees are an attractive and rewarding addition to any patio garden.

Dont you feel like something is missing when you stroll or drive through a city street without trees? And when you do take a tree-lined street, doesnt your journey seem much shorter and more enjoyable? When trees are around, we are much more likely to go outside.

There are plenty of winter tasks This Season in the Garden and our Helpdesk regularly writes very timely blog posts which you can also access via our website. Just in! from UCANR Statewide: How to Care for Flood and Water-Damaged Plants.

The Earth does not belong to us; we belong to the Earth. Chief Seattle What is certain however is that each and every effort in fighting climate change counts and the UC Master Gardeners of Contra Costa County are here to help you achieve positive results using more sustainable garden practices.