Gardening

What exactly are pollinators and why do we need them?  You may often hear that pollinators are important and we should support and protect them. Pollinators play a crucial role in flowering plant reproduction and in the production of most fruits and vegetables. Most plants require assistance to…

Nearly 200 succulents are California Natives Succulents are plants with thick and fleshy leaves and stems that thicken and engorge to retain water. There are 10,000 types of succulents. A quick search for succulents on Calscape, the California Native Plant Society website, yields 196 results. The…

Ladybugs are not all the same. There are about 200 species of lady beetles in California. It is important to remember that while all lady beetle species have a similar shape, the color and patterns may differ. Some have spots, others don’t, some are red, and some are grayish. Lady beetles and their…

Garlic is a fun herb to grow and does not require a lot of time or effort. But just like any edible, it requires a little preparation and planning. Ordering your seed garlic (cloves) from a catalog works best. Order in July or August for fall planting. If you don’t have time to do this, you can buy garlic in…

Summer is one of the busiest and most stressful seasons for Alameda County gardens. This practical mid-summer checklist explains how regular, manageable tasks—including efficient irrigation, mulching, harvesting, pest monitoring, light pruning, fruit-tree care, and container maintenance—can keep gardens…

Many of us are successfully growing Meyer lemons, Bearss limes, Satsuma mandarins, and navel oranges. But have you heard of Nagami Kumquat (Fortunella margarita (Nagami)) Yuzu (Citrus junos), Finger Lime (Citrus australasica), Flying Dragon (Poncirus citrus trifoliata), or Buddha’s Hand (Citrus medica)? …

Understand the five basic needs of every houseplant Gardeners like the color green. Green gardens filled with flowers and vegetables, or splashes of green houseplants can bring tranquility to a hectic day.Most houseplants have a tropical heritage and thrive when provided the right location and care…

How to distinguish between the three types of weeds on your property  Isn’t it funny when you look at children that you have not seen in a while, you usually say, “These kids have grown like weeds.” You don’t say that they have grown like a plant. You and I did not make that saying up; the truth is…

Lawn Alternatives There is much discussion these days on eliminating grass lawns, and unless your lawn gets a lot of use for playing by kids and pets, it is something to consider. Grass lawns are heavy consumers of water and fertilizer and often require pesticides and fungicides to keep them…

Lake Tahoe Master Gardeners recently led a class highlighting the importance of creating pollinator-friendly landscapes and the simple steps homeowners can take to support these essential species. As habitat loss, chemical contamination, and climate change continue to contribute to declining pollinator…