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.
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…
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,…
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…
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…
How to identify the pests that are damaging your lawn What is wrecking your lawn? It could be skunks, raccoons, moles, voles, pocket gophers, or lawn insects. Each leave behind evidence and signs of their presence.Skunks are out at dusk, during the night, and at dawn in residential areas searching for…
Planting Ideas for Late Summer Blooms Here are some late summer flowers that will rejuvenate the look of the garden and lift any gardener’s spirits. Summer Hyacinth, Ornithogalum candicans, is a perennial bulb; plant it now for next year’s bloom. It has a blooming funnel-shaped flower, and…
Your Garden in the Moonlight Have you ever thought about creating a garden that would glow in the moonlight? Wander around your yard some night and consider a place where you could enjoy a peaceful, quiet get-away in the evening and dark. Based on the location and view, consider assorted forms, sizes,…
Pollinators benefit our gardens and the environmentSupporting pollinators is easy and beautiful here in the foothills. Fragrant blossoms attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds in our gardens. The pollinators support the health of our flora, both the gardens that we plant, and the commercial crops grown…
Container Magic – Helpful How-to Tips on Planting Your Garden in a Container Container gardening is a fun and easy way to beautify a yard or small garden space. Containers are perfect for most environments and people of all gardening levels. They are portable and offer endless possibilities. Choose…
Understanding the when, why, and how of pruning tomatoes for the best yield To prune or not to prune tomatoes, that is a question that backyard tomato growers need to answer for themselves. Growing strong, healthy tomato plants increases the chance of getting a large crop of delicious tomatoes. The…
