Gardening

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,…

Jacqueline Champa, UC Master Gardeners of Placer County From The Curious Gardener, Fall 2010All summer you looked forward to your first, fresh-picked apple of the season. Picking a beautiful apple off the tree, the only imperfection is a slight red spot on the skin---somewhat like a blossoming…

By Elaine Applebaum, UC Master Gardeners of Placer County Q: I have a lot of nectarines on my tree this year but most have ugly brown and yellow scabby-looking scars on them. They’re also much smaller than the ones in the grocery store. Some of the leaves are curled and distorted, too. What am I…

By Tish Grenfell, UC Master Gardeners of Placer County Q: I know that a lot of people are tearing out their lawn. Should I do that, and, if so, what can I plant instead?A: First, examine your reasons for having a lawn. Grass can be difficult, needing plentiful water, fertilizer, weed killers, pesticides…

Compiled by Joan Goff, UC Master Gardeners of Placer County So, you want to replace that thirsty lawn with something that uses less water but still looks beautiful? Good idea!  But where to start? There are several elements to consider in making this change. Remove the existing…

By Elaine Applebaum, UC Master Gardeners of Placer County Q: I would like a lawn but am concerned about the environmental effects. Is it possible to have a beautiful green lawn without using chemical fertilizers and pesticides?A: Taking a low- or no-chemical approach to lawn care is becoming…

By Trish Grenfell, UC Master Gardeners of Placer County Q: One of my neighbors told me to leave my grass clippings on the lawn, but I feel that it is unsightly and would actually prevent the grass from getting the sunlight it needs to grow. However, it would save me time.  Please advise. A:…

Lynn Lorenson, UC Master Gardeners of Nevada County From The Curious Gardener, Summer 2008Green, weed free lawns did not exist in the US until the late 18th century. Travelers to Europe, especially England, were taken by the new Palladian (classical Roman) style of architecture and the surrounding…

By Julie Long, UC Master Gardeners of Placer CountyThinking of getting rid of your lawn?  An easy and ecological way to reduce or eliminate your lawn (turf) is to sheet mulch. This method is also known as layer, or lasagna mulching.Why would you remove your lawn?  The most common reason is to…