Gardening

Parsley, a member of the carrot family (Apiaceae), is a hardy biennial grown as an annual. This versatile herb is used in cooking or as a garnish and may be harvested in Sonoma County year-round.

Get free expert help with garden problems and advice from the UC Master Gardener Program of Sonoma County Information Desk supported by research-based information from the University of California and other academic or government institutions.

While some flavor loss occurs when herbs are dried, your own dried herbs will be fresher and more pungent than any you can buy at the supermarket. Here are the basics: Spray herbs with water the day before harvesting so leaves will be clean and have time to dry by the next day.

Turnips and rutabagas are cool-weather vegetables with edible greens, but most frequently grown for their bulbous roots. Rutabagas are thought to be a cross between wild cabbage and turnips, all closely related cabbage family vegetables of the Brassica genus. Both are best grown during cool months.

Valued as a key ingredient in authentic Southern gumbo and other soups and stews, okra can also be roasted, pickled, dipped, or grilled. Despite being slow to evolve from seeding to fruiting, pods form repeatedly and quickly in late summer.

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 2028 Training Class will open in the fall of 2027. 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.