UC Master Gardeners of San Mateo & San Francisco Counties
Thanks for making the Spring Garden Market and Educational Fair a success
Thousands of plants found new homes this past Saturday -- tomatoes and other edibles, plants for pollinators and California native plants.
If you missed it, be sure to sign up for our monthly newsletter so you'll be ready for next year's sale. Want to look up info on plants you bought? Look them up in our online plant library to find out more about them.
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Become a Master Gardener
Weeds: Pros and Cons
The simplest definition of a weed is “a plant growing where it’s not wanted.” Most home gardeners prefer to not have weeds growing among their landscape plants and in their vegetable gardens. However, weeds do have many benefits. For instance, they can help to control soil erosion, provide food for birds and nectar for honey bees, and create habitat. Some weeds are even edible. On the downside, weeds compete with landscape plants for water, nutrients and sunlight, and can be invasive.
The best ways to manage weeds that you don’t want growing in a particular location include hand-pulling, cutting or shallow hoeing. Use mulch to suppress weed growth. For more information, see Weeds in Landscape.
Plant for Pollinators
Pollinators like bees, butterflies, moths, and birds play an important role in pollinating your vegetable garden and supporting a healthy ecosystem. However, habitat loss, disease, and pesticide use have contributed to the decline of these species. You can help pollinators by selecting a wide variety of flowering plants, guiding pollinators to your garden by planting in groups rather than single plants, and providing a source of clean water. For a list of pollinator-friendly plants, visit: Pollinators Are Unsung Heroes of Planet Earth.
Check Your Pesticides
As of Jan 1, 2025, a class of pesticides called neonicotinoids have been banned for nonagricultural outdoor use as they have been linked to a decline in honey bees and other pollinators. Although the pesticides are no longer for sale at garden centers and retail stores, you might have them at your home. Read the pesticide labels and check for one of these common active ingredients: imidacloprid, clothianidin, dinotefuran, thiamethoxam, acetamiprid. Neonicotinoid will not be listed as an ingredient. If you have any neonicotinoid pesticides, please dispose of them properly through a local hazardous waste removal program. For more information, see this UC ANR blog.
Try Growing Nutritious Microgreens
If you don't have outdoor space or want a fun indoor project, try growing fresh and nutritious microgreens. You can grow these tender and tasty greens year-round and enjoy them in soups, salads, sandwiches, stir fries and more. A minimal amount of space and supplies are needed. And you can harvest your little crop in a matter of weeks. To get started, see the Growing Microgreens document on this page.