Marin IJ Articles

Answers to gardening questions at your fingertips

• Nanette Londeree

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  Sustainable gardening methods help you grow beautiful gardens in harmony with the natural environment. Credit: Joshua Cotten, Unsplash

  Winter’s gone, and with it our main rainy season. For the second year in a row, we’ve had below average rainfall and will likely face water restrictions. Gardening during drought can be both a challenge and a learning opportunity. What are the telltale signs of drought on plants? How can you help your garden survive on less water? Should you install a drip irrigation system and experiment with different plants? A world of California natives and other low-water species awaits.

  Wouldn't it be nice if you had help making these decisions? Some assistance when choosing plants and managing garden tasks? Fortunately, the UC Marin Master Gardeners have created a brand new website that's up for the job. If you're looking for answers to pressing garden questions – or simply some guidance and inspiration – check it out at http://marinmg.ucanr.edu/.

  Designed with you, the user, in mind, the visually rich, easy to navigate site is loaded with practical how-to advice, satisfying problem-solving strategies, and important Earth-friendly techniques. The website gets new gardeners off to a good start and provides more experienced gardeners with tools to fine tune their craft. It offers Marin residents the opportunity to access research-based advice that's backed by the breadth and depth of the University of California's extensive Agriculture and Natural Resources division.

  "This compelling site reflects the experience and dedication of our hardworking Master Gardeners, who volunteered their time to bring this incredible resource to the community," said UC Cooperative Extension Director David Lewis. "Although the site provides a substantial quantity of material, it is easy and satisfying to navigate. I think Marin's gardeners are going to be pretty amazed."

  Here's what you'll find on the new UC Marin Master Gardener website:  

  Emphasis on Earth-friendly gardening

  The new site is grounded in sustainable methods that allow you to grow beautiful gardens while staying in harmony with the natural environment. Visit the site to learn best practices for nurturing soil, encouraging biodiversity, mitigating climate change, and protecting wildlife and the environment.

  

  The new website includes less-toxic methods to manage pests. Credit: Krzysztof-Niewonly, Unsplash

  Tools for solving garden problems 

  Have aphids? Snails, rats, or deer? No matter how long you’ve been gardening – months, years, or decades – sooner or later you'll encounter a vexing garden problem. While many are easily managed, there are occasions when a pest or disease reaches a level where some sort of control measure is warranted. In addition to learning how to tackle Marin’s top 20 pests, you’ll find information on biological control and other less toxic pest management methods.

  Proven, hands-on, practical advice

  The site includes many lists of plants specifically chosen for Marin gardens and gardeners, whether you're looking to plant under oaks or redwoods, cover a slope, attract pollinators, find plants that thrive in clay soil, or keep things simple with extra easy plants for brown thumbs. Visit the website for the why, when, and how to fertilize, prune, water, and mulch. A handy feature is the monthly Plant Care Checklist. It’s right on the homepage, and includes timely tips for maintenance and prevention, planting, propagating, pruning, pests, weeds and more.

  In-depth advice for growing edibles

  

  Find lots of information about growing edibles on the website, including a planting calendar. Credit: UC ANR

  If you enjoy growing fruits and vegetables, check out the new edibles section for expert advice on preparing beds and planting, selecting the tastiest varieties that do well in Marin, and timing things just right with a planting calendar. Follow step-by-step instructions to grow delicious, healthy crops and rely on our strategies for solving the top 20 problems in the edible garden.

  While the website is chock-full of information, if you’re not able to find an answer to your question, you can always contact the UC Marin Master Gardener Help Desk at HelpDesk@marinmg.org for personalized assistance with a garden problem. You can also watch how-to videos on our YouTube Channel and sign up for our free e-newsletter, the Leaflet, for seasonal advice. Remember, UC Marin Master Gardeners offer Advice to Grow By ... Ask Us!