Plant Care

Provide a clean water source for thirsty birds and bees. Photo: Dan Wayman, unsplash Maintenance and prevention Monitor soil moisture. The water requirements of plants peaks in July. Established perennials, shrubs, and trees need infrequent but deep watering.

Below are tools that are more specialized than the basic essentials, but are very useful for more specific gardening tasks.

Propagation is the process by which plants are multiplied or reproduced. It is used for ornamental as well as edible plants. Propagating your own plants can be fun and rewarding because you can grow many species not found in nurseries. This includes many tasty and unusual vegetables.

Fall Garden Fair ornamentals descriptions. Some cool season ornamentals bloom in the winter while others grow slowly then explode into flower for fabulous spring blooms. Plant in September through October for beautiful bouquets in a few months.

When to plant: Blackberries / Raspberries: mid-January–March Strawberries: late August (summer plantings) or late October (winter plantings) Harvest window: May–September, depending on the variety Fertilization: Nitrogen in spring, additional applications as needed.

Gardening in Tahoe is not like gardening in the valley or many other places in California. The microclimates, elevation, and cold weather are just some of the things that make the area distinct, and a distinct challenge for those of us who love to dig in the dirt.

Sanni Sahil, Unsplash Use our monthly care checklists to make sure you keep on top of your plant and landscape care! Timed and designed with our wonderful Mediterranean climate in mind, stay organized, plan ahead, and learn the best times (and how!) to do all your gardening chores and tasks.

Bush anemone (Carpenteria californica) is a deer-resistant shrub that grows in sun or shade and has fragrant flowers. Photo: PlantMaster You can bring the natural beauty and ecology -- of your surroundings into your garden by growing some of the plants that were here before settlers arrived.

Water is a precious resource: use it wisely. Photo: Amritanshu Sirdar, Unsplash A well-designed landscape can not only add beauty to your home, but also can reduce your heating and cooling costs.

Prune hydrangeas after blooms fade. Annie Spratt, Unsplash Maintenance and prevention Monitor soil moisture. Established perennials, shrubs and trees need infrequent but deep watering. Container plants may need daily watering.