Gardens By Type

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,…

Nearly everyone, from well-meaning beginners to experienced outdoor gardeners, has struggled at one time or another with a houseplant that seemed determined to die. Understanding the four basic needs of all houseplants can not only give you the knowledge you need to care for these plants, but also help you…

It’s cold outside! But that doesn’t have to stop you from gardening. Why not cheer up the dark days of winter by planting some herbs on a sunny windowsill indoors, and using them in your cold weather soups and stews?

By Trish Grenfell, Master Gardeners of Placer County Q: Last week I drove by a rooftop garden with billows of beautiful yellow daisy-like flowers falling over the top. Not only was I amazed that someone was growing plants on their carport, but what was this bright yellow flower with bountiful…

By Laurie Meyerpeter, UC Master Gardener of Placer CountyQ:  What are seed potatoes? Can I grow potatoes from the sprouting potatoes in my cupboard drawers? How do I grow potatoes?A: Potatoes are typically not grown from seed but from sections of the potato. The potato sections are referred to as …

By Laurie Meyerpeter, UC Master Gardener of Placer County Q: I want to grow cabbages in my fall garden. Any suggestions?A:  Cabbages are a lot like tomatoes because there is really no comparison between the sweet crispy buttery flavored heads grown in a home garden, and the strong tasting cabbages…

By Jacqueline Champa, UC Master Gardeners of Placer County From The Curious Gardener, Summer 2008Have you thought of having a winter vegetable garden?We are fortunate to live in Northern California where we are able to grow a number of great vegetables during the shortened, wet, cold days of winter. A good…

By Jan Birdsall, UC Master Gardener of Placer County From The Curious Gardener, Winter 2021                                                              …

By Elaine Applebaum, UC Master Gardeners of Placer CountyQ:  I like the idea of growing my own vegetables, but it seems like a lot of work. Are there some that are easier than others?A: There is a newfound interest in growing one’s own vegetables for economic, health and environmental reasons. Many…

By Trish Grenfell, UC Master Gardener of Placer CountyQ: I planted basil this spring and am unsure how many leaves I can remove without killing the plant. Will it regrow after I scalp it?A: Basil is wonderful, not only as a culinary experience, but if you place leafy bouquets in water, the spicy…