The Real Dirt

If you live in an area where deer roam, now is the time to take action to protect any new trees on your property from deer damage during rutting season.

The Butte County Fire Safe Council, a local nonprofit, is excited to share the Backyard Stewardship Guide: Growing Fire-Safe Communities, an illustrated resource for homeowners in Butte County and beyond that explores the intersection of wildfire resilience, shared responsibility, and ecosystem health. A…

A new season of Master Gardener Workshops is about to start! The series begins Friday, September 11, 2026 with a session on drip irrigation and concludes in mid-November with a fun crafty workshop on creating a seasonal planter-in-a-pumpkin filled with succulents. In all, this Fall 2026 Series totals 14…

There is a lot of talk these days about the benefits of growing native plants in your garden. Native plants are adapted to the local climate and soil, so they need less water and fewer soil amendments. Native plants provide food and habitat for local insects and wildlife, help to sustain the local food web,…

It’s peak season for fruits and vegetables: peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers, peaches, apricots, plums, berries … the list goes on and on. If you find yourself in the enviable position of having more fresh produce than you can possibly consume or give away, it’s time to start canning and preserving. You’ll be…