UC Master Gardeners of San Mateo & San Francisco Counties

I think that I shall never see/ A poem as lovely as a tree, wrote the poet, Joyce Kilmer. The mere sight of a strong, graceful tree inspires poetry, offers peace for the soul, and provides welcome sanctuary.

Many parts of California sizzle in the summer heat, but living on the coast means spending most days under a thick marine layer blanket and being buffeted by chilly breezes.

This article was originally published in Coastside Magazine on May 26, 2023. Since 2016, Coastside Magazine has featured monthly articles written and edited by members of the San Mateo-San Francisco chapter of UC Master Gardeners.

While it may not be top of mind when you sip a Margarita, nearly all of the beverages we consume come from plants.

If you want to enjoy your own fresh, homegrown tomatoes this summer, April is the time to get started. Unless you are a hardcore gardener and start your own from seeds, most likely you will be buying young tomato plants (seedlings) from a nursery or plant sale.