Gardening

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Rufous hummingbird. William Kees
The Real Dirt: Article

The Hummingbird – A Gem of the Americas

June 3, 2025
A true treasure of the Americas, hummingbirds are a diverse family of more than 340 species, only 17 of which are found north of Mexico. They are also keystone mutualists, nectar feeders that have coevolved with the indigenous plants they pollinate.
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Weeds

Learn how to ID weeds and control them. Learn how to avoid plants that can take over your garden and become weeds.
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Wildlife

Learn how to manage animal pests and how to attract wildlife (birds, pollinators, and more).
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Watering

Want to save water? Learn about watering of vegetables,trees and more. Here is information on gardening with graywater and using recycled water .
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Vegetable gardening

Learn how to select and grow vegetables, including herbs and tomatoes. Learn seed starting, pest management, and how to plan your seasonal garden.
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Tree care

Want to know about selecting street trees or fruit trees? Are your trees dying? Here is information on care, selection and pests and diseases of trees in Alameda County.
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Sustainable Gardening

Information on sustainable gardening topics - saving water, irrigation help, wildlife habitat, soil health and cover crops, helping the good insects.
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