Gardening

Chia, Salvia hispanica, is a member of the mint family and is native to Mexico and Central America. Chia is grown primarily for the small mottle-colored seeds which are used as a food source. There is another plant grown for seeds, Salvia columbariae, that is commonly known as golden chia, desert chia, or…

Turmeric, Curcuma longa, is a member of the ginger family and originates from southwestern India. Like ginger, the portion of the plant used is a rhizome, technically not a root but an underground stem. Turmeric has been utilized for many centuries as a spice, a yellow-orange food coloring, and an…

Many beautiful plants thrive in Santa Clara Countys summer-dry climate and clay soil without a lot of extra work. California native plants are naturally adapted to our conditions.

Information on how to request a speaker from UC Master Gardener Program

Browse gardening information from the Santa Clara County Master Gardeners. Plant topics include vegetables, fruits and nuts, herbs, succulents, and more. Plus, find help about gardening techniques such as container gardening, and links to many gardening tips.

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.

July 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.

There are two main types of garlic: softneck, which produces numerous smaller cloves, and hardneck, which has fewer, larger cloves surrounding a stalk or “scape”. Elephant garlic is not a true garlic (more closely related to leeks), but its cultivation is similar to that of true garlics. It has very large,…

Asparagus is a perennial plant that can produce for years if grown with care. Choose a site in full sun and prepare the soil well. The plants send up 5-foot tall, ferny growth over the summer, so plant them where they won’t undesirably shade other plants. Asparagus plants can be either male or female. The…

Living in Harmony A Tahoe Friendly Garden considers the pros and cons of which critters you want to invite in your yard. Berries, seeds, and leaves are an important food source for birds, mammals and beneficial insects and plants provide nesting materials and shelter from predators and the elements.