Gardening

Why Smart Irrigation Matters Now More Than Ever As Southern California enters the peak of summer, water agencies, utilities, and residents are turning their attention to one of the region’s most pressing challenges—sustainable water use. July is officially recognized as Smart Irrigation Month, a…

Imagine a garden designed to focus on creating natural wildlife habitat. Why not eliminate turf grass from your own garden and replace it with trees, shrubs, perennials, and annuals that benefit wildlife? Welcome to Naturescaping, a method of landscaping that allows people and nature to coexist. By growing…

Invasive species are reshaping California’s natural and urban landscapes. UC IPM’s new Invasive Species Mini-Series explores the many ways invasive species impact our lives, from harmful garden pests and aquatic hitchhikers to destructive tree pests, invasive weeds, and the policies that guide prevention and…

Your Spring garden has been producing a bounty of warm season crops. What to do with all the tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and such you are bringing in from your beds? This week on In the Garden with UCCE Master Gardeners, UC Master Gardener Katrina Kirkeby will talk with the late chef, historian,…

There are many weedy grasses that can invade a lawn or landscaped area, but bermudagrass is one of the most hated and difficult to control weeds. It’s a low-growing, wiry perennial that has above and belowground structures which are both capable of rooting and growing into new plants.  The secret…

By this time of year the lush growth and colorful flowers of spring are just a memory. Many California native plants go dormant in the summer, waiting for the fall and winter rains before they grow again. Some plants, like California buckeye, are already losing their leaves. But luckily for the native garden…

Toxic baits, or rodenticides, used to control rodents around the home and garden can harm nontarget animals, such as pets, birds, coyotes, and other wildlife. To reduce these negative impacts, California has passed several laws to limit what rodenticides can be used, how, and by who. Here’s what you need to…

The Bay Area is a rich climate for having color all year from perennials. We highlight a few of our favorites if you're looking to enjoy bountiful color in your garden.