Central Sierra: El Dorado County | Master Gardener | Gardening Articles

Technology for the Home Gardener 

Technology can help the home gardener in myriad ways. Technology applies scientific knowledge for practical purposes to solve problems and make life better. Technology is a tool for the garden and gardeners. We can use it to complete routine tasks or tackle more complicated matters, all in an effort to accomplish our gardening goals. 

Technology for the garden much of the time comes in the form of an app, short for computer application, which is software designed to perform specific functions. Apps are downloaded to computers and other electronic devices. Many apps use artificial intelligence (AI), a system that performs tasks without significant human effort or oversight. 

Smart weather stations give us timely, detailed information about our weather by tracking temperature, barometric pressure, wind strength and direction, rainfall, and UV rays. Originally, SMART stood for Self-Monitoring, Analysis and Reporting Technology, but today SMART is also a broad range of intelligence and advanced technology.  

A comprehensive smart garden integrates technology to streamline gardening processes to make them more efficient and sustainable. 

There are solar-powered smart irrigation systems that utilize our garden’s current weather data, using past microclimate temperatures and humidity. There are weather-based sensors that can help us apply proper irrigation to prevent over- and under-watering. The sensors are automated and can be adjusted for a plant’s age, the current weather and the condition of the soil. There is an app that tracks sunlight. 

Healthy garden soil is essential and there is technology that can determine soil texture. With that information, we can learn about our soil’s water drainage and retention, workability, and nutrient retention. Also available are soil monitors that can measure soil moisture content, pH, temperature, and natural nutrients. 

With a detection app, we can know when a critter visits our garden. Early detection may prevent damage. There are apps to determine whether it is a pest or a beneficial. If it is a pest, we can utilize a pest management app and / or visit the UC Master Gardeners of El Dorado County website to learn about research-based management, control, and treatment for natural solutions to create a more sustainable garden. 

There are many plant recognition apps that operate from our photos of a plant’s leaf or flower or a succulent, cactus, or mushroom. Utilizing again our own photos, there are apps to identify and diagnose plant needs, problems, and diseases. 

Living in the foothills, we might want to use an app that will alert us of an upcoming temperature drop. We can plan our garden with a planning app to place the right plant in the right place, that will strengthen the likelihood of a thriving garden. There is technology for all facets of composting. Robots can assist in producing and weeding vegetable gardens and can mow our lawn. 

We would be wise to use the tools of technology that were developed specifically to help us have beautiful and healthy gardens.  

This article, written by UC Master Gardener of El Dorado County Kit Smith, originally appeared in the February, 2026 issue of Around Here Magazine. 

Have a Gardening question? Ask a Master Gardener! Call 530-621-5512 or complete the survey linked below

Ask a Master Gardener

What is the Winter Sowing method of seed starting?  

An effective, simple, and low-cost seed starting method, Winter Sowing is the process of starting seeds in containers outside during the winter months. Planting seeds in clear or translucent containers, such as milk jugs, creates a greenhouse effect, trapping heat and moisture, thus allowing the seeds to naturally stratify in the winter environment. As temperatures fluctuate, seeds are protected from the harsh winter elements and are exposed to natural freeze-thaw cycles. This exposure hardens the seeds and results in sturdy seedlings that are already acclimated to outdoor conditions.

What equipment is needed to start seeds when Winter Sowing?  

• Recycled, clean and well-rinsed milk jugs (Using jugs and bottles, salad containers, or storage totes have also been used with success)
• Sharp scissors
• Exacto knife
• Plant labels
• Weather resistant marker
• Duct tape
• Seeds suited to winter sowing

Step One: Prepare the jugs for seed starting 

Cut the container horizontally in half about four inches up from the bottom leaving a small hinge to allow for easy opening and closing. The small area of plastic directly below the handle is a great location for the hinge.

Make four to six holes in the bottom of the jug with a sharp knife or screwdriver to allow for drainage. This is essential as the jugs are open to the elements and this allows moisture to freely drain out of the bottom.

Fill the bottom four inches of the jug with a quality potting mix that has been moistened. The soil should hold its shape when squeezed.

Step Two: Choose suitable seeds for Winter Sowing 

Not all seeds are suitable for this seed starting method. Choose cold hardy seeds that will tolerate winter sowing and follow the instructions on the seed packet as directed for spacing and depth of planting. Some good choices include:

Amaranth, Aster, Bachelor Button, Bells of Ireland, Broccoli, Calendula, Cauliflower, Coneflower, Cosmos, Foxglove, Hollyhock, Lupine, Milkweed, Oregano, Radish, Rudbeckia, Salad Greens, Thyme, and Yarrow. 

Step Three: Label and seal the jug 

It’s helpful to label both the outside of the jug and include a plant label inside. Seal the jug closed. Use duct tape to connect the cut edges back together all the way around. Leave the top open. Keeping the cap off provides ventilation.

Step Four: Set the jugs in a sunny spot outside 

The jugs generally stay moist throughout the winter enduring rain, snow, and fluctuating temperatures. Water if needed. Open jugs in spring after seeds sprout and danger of frost has passed. When seedlings are at least two inches tall with two sets of true leaves, begin transplanting the seedlings into your garden beds or containers.

Starting seeds in containers outside during the winter months is a good way to grow sturdy seedlings that are already acclimated to outdoor conditions when it's time to plant in the spring. By trapping heat and moisture, the container creates a greenhouse effect, and the seeds are able to experience the required weathering process naturally at the same time that seeds are protected from the harsh winter elements. 

This article by Sara Elledge, UC Master Gardener of El Dorado County, originally appeared in the Mountain Democrat in December 2025. 

Have a winter gardening question? Ask us! Use our survey tool - click the button below - to send the details of your question and a UC Master Gardener of El Dorado County will get back to you. 

Ask a Master Gardener