Hotline

Got Gardening Questions?

Visit or call the Hotline
Wednesday 9am-12pm
Thursday 1-4pm

Call: 530-538-7201

Or drop by: The Butte County Cooperative Extension Office
2279-B Del Oro Avenue
Oroville, CA 95965

You can also catch us in person at local farmers markets or at one of our information booths. Check out where we'll be on the Events page.

Help Us Help You

You never can tell what's at the root of the problem. Below are some questions we may ask when you call:

Name of plant
Age of plant
Soil type (loam, sandy, clay)
Current watering methods (drip, sprinkler, hand)
Frequency of watering
Sun exposure
Evidence of insects or other damage – check on both sides of leaves
Recent changes that may effect the plant (watering, fertilizing)

Samples and photos related to your question are strongly encouraged. Drop them by the office any time, or email them to:
mgbutte@ucanr.edu

Include a description of the problem.

What’s Hot Now?

toyon berries

by Barbara Hill

I am interested in “birdscaping,” and understand that winter is a particularly important time to provide food for wild birds. Could you suggest some plants that would attract and feed birds during the cold season?

Winter-fruiting trees and shrubs, as well as those that hang onto their fruit into winter, are indeed vital to a bird’s diet. The berries of Oregon grape, coffeeberry, golden current, and Toyon will provide important nutrition during the coldest months. Also beloved by birds are cotoneaster, holly, hawthorn, and pyracantha berries. Rosa californica, the California native rose, is a carefree plant that provides ample rose hips which are also enjoyed by fruit-eating species.

Get a starter list of the best trees, vines, and shrubs to plant for birds.

Learn how to create a bird-friendly yard.