Gardening

While they may look cute, no one really wants a mouse around the house. House mice eat up to 20% of their body weight daily, eating whatever food is available. They can contaminate our food and their gnawing can damage buildings, wiring, insulation, food packages, and more. Many fires of unknown origin are…

It hasn’t been a terrible summer, yet it’s been some time since we have seen rain in our area, and some of your plants may be suffering. While you might not be able to save them all, you can take precautions in your garden that will save the plants it makes sense to save, define your gardening priorities,…

This week on In the Garden with UC Master Gardeners is Part 2 about preserving the harvest.  With and without refrigeration! UC Master Gardener Katrina Kirkeby will continue her talk with Ernest Miller from last week. Here are ways to retain a lot of the nutritional benefits of fresh-picked fruits and…

 Las superficies impermeables, como el hormigón o el asfalto, han permitido el desarrollo urbano a gran escala en todo el sur de California al proporcionar cimientos estables para las estructuras de los edificios, facilitar el movimiento eficiente de peatones y vehículos, y transportar rápidamente el…

Impervious surfaces, such as concrete or asphalt, have enabled large-scale urban development throughout Southern California by providing stable foundations for building structures, facilitating the efficient movement of pedestrians and vehicles, and promptly transporting rainwater away from buildings and…

Going by common names such as Blueblossom, California Lilac or Mountain Lilac, it's not surprising that Ceanothus are popular shrubs for many styles of gardens, with spectacular blooms in colors ranging from pale to very deep blue/purple or white. Blooming in late winter or spring, they are valuable early…

 In July's edition of the Pesticide Regulation bulletin published by the California Department of Pesticide Regulation, urban pest expert Dr. Andrew Sutherland outlines key strategies for implementing effective Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs. These include using physical control methods like…

Why Smart Irrigation Matters Now More Than Ever As Southern California enters the peak of summer, water agencies, utilities, and residents are turning their attention to one of the region’s most pressing challenges—sustainable water use. July is officially recognized as Smart Irrigation Month, a…

Imagine a garden designed to focus on creating natural wildlife habitat. Why not eliminate turf grass from your own garden and replace it with trees, shrubs, perennials, and annuals that benefit wildlife? Welcome to Naturescaping, a method of landscaping that allows people and nature to coexist. By growing…

Invasive species are reshaping California’s natural and urban landscapes. UC IPM’s new Invasive Species Mini-Series explores the many ways invasive species impact our lives, from harmful garden pests and aquatic hitchhikers to destructive tree pests, invasive weeds, and the policies that guide prevention and…