Are you brand new to gardening, but have a burning desire to learn proper practices? Have you had some gardening experience, but not much success achieving healthy plants? Plan to attend MG Sheri Burke's free public education class on "Back to Basics.
Dive into the world of container gardening with Master Gardeners. Learn everything you need to know to create a thriving container garden in any space – from choosing the right container, to plant selection and planting techniques, and the how to-s of container plant care.
We are here to answer your questions and address needs. We are picking up messages several times per day. Phone: 209-223-6838 Email: mgamador@ucanr.edu On-line: Ask a Master Gardener Please check back for updated information.
Gardening extremes occur when unexpected weather conditions challenge plant growth and survival. Frost, heat, floods, wind, and drought are all environmental changes that can result in plant injury. Plant damage can be sudden and severe or it may occur over time.
Frost injures plants by causing ice crystals to form in plant cells. This makes water unavailable to plant tissues and disrupts the movement of fluids. Frost-damaged leaves appear water-soaked, shrivel, and turn dark brown or black.
Wilted, drooping leaves are signs of heat stress in plants. Photo credit: Pikist.com Plants are sensitive to both air and soil surface temperatures. Temperatures ranging from 60 to 85F are optimum for plant growth and development.
Richard Bell, Unsplash Most landscape plants will survive a few days of flooding. Photo credit: Iowa State University Plant roots need air too. Good garden soil contains a network of pore spaces filled with water and air. Both are necessary for healthy roots and beneficial soil-dwelling organisms.
Plants can dry out quickly when exposed to constant wind. Photo credit: UC Regents The force, direction, and persistence of the wind determine the type of damage plants may suffer. Most damage occurs with winds above 30 miles per hour.
Drought stressed leaves may curl and look scorched. Photo credit: UC Regents Water is essential for the chemical and physical processes that plants need to survive and grow. Healthy plants depend on the movement of water from the soil through the roots and up into the leaves.
Gardens are always changing: plants grow, soils change, leaves fall, and weeds sprout. All plants, whether in your garden or in your home, need consistent maintenance and care.
