The Real Dirt

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a science-based pest management process which focuses on managing the ecosystem for the long-term prevention of pests and the damage they cause.

Camellias bloom abundantly in our Butte County winters. The sight of their richly-colored blossoms glowing in gray winter light may bring back memories of one's grandmother's house.

The UC Master Gardeners of Butte County are offering a wide variety of new and encore Public Education Workshops this season. Some will be held in person; others will be offered on Zoom.

Freezing temperatures damage plants by causing ice crystals to form in their cells. Frost-damaged vegetation withers and turns a dark brown or black. Ice crystals can also form in citrus fruit, causing juice vesicles inside the fruit to rupture and the fruit to dry out.

How about bringing a new plant home to cheer up these dark winter days? For the avid gardener, houseplants can be an excellent source of greenery and even flowers when the outside garden has gone gray and dormant in the doldrums of mid-winter.