UC Master Gardeners of El Dorado County

Central Sierra: El Dorado County | Master Gardener | Gardening Articles

Featured Articles by UC Master Gardeners of El Dorado County 

UC Master Gardeners in El Dorado County write articles for local publications on home horticulture, vegetable gardening, gardening for pollinators, irrigation, soil health, and seasonal garden chores, among other subjects of interest. 

You can find those articles by clicking the link below or scrolling below the archived articles link.  

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Archived Articles by General Topics:

Find archived articles on a wide variety of gardening topics. 

Central Sierra: Master Gardener Articles | El Dorado County

Published in local periodicals, this collection of articles is a treasure trove of advice from UC Master Gardeners of El Dorado County for the residents of this beautiful region. 

agricultural field shows rows of plants alternating with drip irrigation lines
UC Master Gardeners of El Dorado County: Article

Central Sierra: Save Water with Drip Irrigation | El Dorado County

May 22, 2026
Drip irrigation is well-suited to the El Dorado County landscape. It is doubtful that anyone living in El Dorado County, or the whole of California for that matter, is not aware of drought conditions impacting everything from household water use, home gardening, commercial agriculture, new home…
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small container garden contains three small echiveria and other succulents, pebbles and a tiny wooden A-frame house
UC Master Gardeners of El Dorado County: Article

Central Sierra: Best Plants for Imagination Gardens | El Dorado County

May 1, 2026
Imagination gardens are a fun way to plant container gardens Almost all these tiny plants do best in indirect light and in moderate temperatures; in other words, indoors in the summer and winter. They may outgrow a small container but can be divided or pinched back to stay in scale. Do keep their feet…
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a long skinny green vegetable grows on the ground under green leaves
UC Master Gardeners of El Dorado County: Article

Central Sierra: Grow a Loofah from a Seed

April 21, 2026
The versatile loofah (or luffa) is edible, but famous as a natural sponge  Luffa, often spelled loofah, Luffa aegyptiaca, is a vining gourd in the cucumber family. It can be used as a vegetable when it is young and the cucumber-like fruit is only six inches or less. It is rich in nutrients and high…
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pink four-petaled blossom bunch on long dark green leaves
UC Master Gardeners of El Dorado County: Article

Central Sierra: Spring Shrubs Bring Alluring Fragrance to the Air

April 20, 2026
Scents of Spring Shrubs Ahhhh…Spring! Our California foothills spring flowering shrubs are not only stunning to look at but also provide alluring fragrances. In planning for the future, here are some of the most fragrant early blooming spring shrubs that you can add to your garden, which provide the…
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a finger manipulates an app on an iPhone sitting on a surface
UC Master Gardeners of El Dorado County: Article

Central Sierra: Tech Can Help You Build a Smart Home Garden

March 18, 2026
Technology for the Home Gardener Technology can help the home gardener in myriad ways. Technology applies scientific knowledge for practical purposes to solve problems and make life better. Technology is a tool for the garden and gardeners. We can use it to complete routine tasks or tackle more…
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a red rose closeup
UC Master Gardeners of El Dorado County: Article

Central Sierra: From Now Til March, It's Time to Prune Your Roses

January 20, 2026
An Invitation to Garden Beauty: A Rose Pruning Primer  It’s that pruning time of year! The period from Christmas until early March (depending on elevation) is the best time to get started. Your bushes will look more attractive and produce larger flowers with good pruning, and you can shape them to the…
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a green seedling emerges from dark soil
UC Master Gardeners of El Dorado County: Article

Central Sierra: Seed Starting Using the Winter Sowing Method

December 22, 2025
By Robin E Martin
What is the Winter Sowing method of seed starting?  An effective, simple, and low-cost seed starting method, Winter Sowing is the process of starting seeds in containers outside during the winter months. Planting seeds in clear or translucent containers, such as milk jugs, creates a greenhouse effect,…
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artichoke blossoms
UC Master Gardeners of El Dorado County: Article

Central Sierra: Take Advantage of Winter Dormancy for a Gorgeous Spring Bloom

November 13, 2025
By Robin E Martin
Winter Dormancy: Gardening For the Fourth Season The winter holidays are just around the corner, and hopefully you have your garden in order. Spring bulbs are planted. Garlic and potatoes are in the ground. Your garden has been “put to bed.” Tools have been sharpened and put away. Tender plants are…
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UC Master Gardeners of El Dorado County: Article

Central Sierra: Pruning Effectively for Strong, Beautiful Trees

October 24, 2025
By Robin E Martin
The Basics of Pruning Pruning isn’t just about keeping plants tidy, it’s about enhancing the health, structure, and appearance of your landscape. With the right tools and a little know-how, you can promote stronger growth, reduce disease, and even increase flowering in your trees and shrubs.Pruning…
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