Gardening

Kohlrabi, a member of the Brassicaceae (cabbage) family, is little-known to home gardeners despite its easy culture and versatile use when cooked or enjoyed raw. Its flavor and texture have been compared both to turnips and water chestnuts for its crunch stir fried, as a relish, or in salads.

Garlic, a close relative of onions, shallots and leeks, is easily grown in Sonoma County. It occupies little garden space from fall through spring while still producing an ample crop.

Ceanothus is a large genus of diverse, versatile and beautiful North American species in the buckthorn family, Rhamnaceae. Many are native to California, some endemic to Sonoma County. The genus includes over 60 shrubs, prostrate or mounding, often from 1-6 ft. high, although native C.

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Cucumbers of many types and varieties grow easily in sunny gardens, producing bountiful crops for many weeks in summer. Choose varieties according to their growth habits and how you plan to use them. Pickling, slicing, long (English, Persian, Armenian, Asian), round (lemon).

Discover the benefits of growing California native plants! Learn how to create a sustainable garden that supports local wildlife and thrives in California's climate.

The application process for the UC Master Gardeners of Merced County's 2026 Training Class is now open. Any Merced County adult resident with an interest in horticulture (plants, lawns, trees, vegetables and more) and public service are encouraged to apply for the Master Gardener Program.

L Stiles Succulents are about the easiest plants you can grow and require little care. In addition to providing plenty of light and well-draining soil, water them sparingly, divide when they get crowded, and protect from exposure to temperature extremes. When in doubt, DONT.

It's easy to invite bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other welcomed winged visitors into the garden. Just provide the food, water, and shelter they need to feel at home. This is called habitat gardening, and it's a satisfying way to choose plants.

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.