Gardening

March gardening tips for Santa Clara County, categorized by To-Dos, What to Plant, or Pests and Diseases. Tips are available for each month, as well as tips that are applicable for every month.

Direct seed in the spring February through April, possibly May, or in the fall in September. Harvest when good sized but still tender. Can be stored in the ground during the cool season for harvesting as needed. If left in the ground too long, they may get woody or bolt (send up a flower stalk).

Arugula grows best in the cool season, from August through May. Plants may bolt quickly, especially during warm spells. Succession plant to ensure a continuous supply of young, tender leaves.

Soil fertility is the gardens foundation. A Tahoe Friendly Garden enhances water infiltration and storage while allowing your garden to thrive.

Pinch chrysanthemums back to 6 inches every month through July. Trim dead flowers but not leaves, from spring bulbs. Mulch cane berries, cut out all old canes and reset new canes in twine. Cultivate and pull weed seedling now to prevent bloom.

These are evergreen grasses that look good all year. Water Provide water during periods of drought; if not watered during these times, they tend to go dormant which results in brown foliage. Feed Dont add fertilizer; will become floppy if too much is added.

Protect sensitive plants from cold injury when frost is predicted. Photo: Courtesy UC Regents Maintenance and prevention Chop up cover crop foliage into small pieces if you grew a cover crop. Turn under or add the clippings to your compost pile.

Here are recommended tools and basic pruning techniques for maintaining the health of a plant and for accentuating key attributes, such as leaves, bark, branch structure, flowers, fruit, or other desirable characteristics. Bypass pruners or shears BYPASS SHEARS Bypass shears are like scissors.

When to plant: January–March (bareroot) Harvest window: October–November, depending on variety Fertilization: Regular nitrogen feeding during first half of growing season Provide sturdy trellis or arbor for the wide-spreading (up to 30 feet) deciduous vine.

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.