Gardening

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A grey mouse under brown leaves in a sideways plant pot.
Pests in the Urban Landscape: Article

Mouse in Your House?

July 30, 2025
By Belinda Messenger-Sikes
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…
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Drip lines and mulch conserve water in the ornamental garden. Laura Lukes
The Real Dirt: Article

Keeping Plants Alive When Water is Scarce

July 29, 2025
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,…
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[PODCAST] Preserving Vegetables From Your Garden Part 2

July 28, 2025
By Loren Nelson
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…
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Los diseños y beneficios de los materiales permeables
Water Supply Security (WSS): Article

Materiales Permeables: Un Enfoque Sostenible para las Aguas Pluviales

July 28, 2025
By Esther N Lofton, Erik C Porse
 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…
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Designs and benefits of permeable materials
Water Supply Security (WSS): Article

Permeable Materials: A Sustainable Approach to Stormwater

July 28, 2025
By Esther N Lofton, Erik C Porse
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…
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Ceanothus thyrsiflorus in bloom
UC Master Gardeners of San Mateo & San Francisco Counties: Article

Now is a Great Time to Prune Ceanothus (California Lilac)

July 26, 2025
By Cathrin Callas
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…
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bedbugs 2
UCCE East Bay: Article

Got bed bugs crashing your guest room?

July 25, 2025
By Andrew Miller
 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…
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Irrigation
Smart Water Living: Urban Water Use Efficiency in SoCal: Article

Smart Irrigation Month: A Call to Action for Water Efficiency in California

July 24, 2025
By Esther N Lofton
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…
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California wild rose in the Wildlife Habitat Garden at the Master Gardener Demonstration Garden at Patrick Ranch. Brent McGhie
The Real Dirt: Article

Naturescaping

July 22, 2025
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…
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A brown shield-shaped insect walking on a green leaf.
Pests in the Urban Landscape: Article

New Invasive Pests Webinar Mini-Series

July 22, 2025
By Lindsey Hack
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…
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