Rangelands

UC Master Gardeners of the Lake Tahoe Basin: Collection

Lake Tahoe Basin | Articles

Articles by the UC Master Gardeners of the Lake Tahoe Basin contain information and lessons about gardening in the region, and are based on the best science and research as well as experience of the area's Master Gardeners. 
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A hydroponic growing rack of strawberries.

Opening the Door to Gardening in Small Spaces with Hydroponics

April 6, 2026
By Kristian M Salgado-Jacobo
What if fresh vegetables could be grown without soil and in spaces as small as an apartment balcony? That question inspired the UC Master Gardener Program of Orange County’s innovative hydroponics project, which earned first place in the 2026 Search for Excellence competition. UC Master Gardener volunteers…
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Livestock guardian dog surrounded by sheep
Ranching in the Sierra Foothills: Article

Musings on Livestock Guardian Dogs

April 3, 2026
By Daniel K Macon
 If you've followed Ranching in the Sierra Foothills for very long, you'll know that I've written about livestock guardian dogs (LGDs) frequently. I've owned LGDs for 20 years; I've researched their effectiveness and behavior for nearly 9. As a sheep (and recently, goat) producer in the Sierra foothills…
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Hand-planting seeds in rich soil with seedlings in the background
UC Master Gardeners of Monterey & Santa Cruz Counties: Article

April Direct Sowing in the Monterey Bay Area

April 1, 2026
By Denise Pinard
 April Direct Sowing in the Monterey Bay Areaby Delise Weir April is the "sweet spot" for gardeners in the Monterey Bay area.With the frost risk behind us and an unseasonably warm spring heating the soil, you can skip the plastic pots and indoor grow lights. Planting seeds directly into your garden…
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raised bed filled with onion seedlings and a person holding the side of the bed wearing a read sweater.
UC Master Gardener Program: Page

Seed Germination Temperature and Timing

Soil Temperature Conditions for Vegetable Seed GerminationMany internal and environmental conditions influence seed germination: seed condition, water availability, sufficient air, soil conditions, and temperature. The chart below lists the optimum soil temperatures at which they do best. This does not mean…
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A close-up of a California burclover plant showing deep green compound leaves with 3 leaflets, small yellow flowers, and green, round, spiny seeds.
Pests in the Urban Landscape: Article

Shamrocks, Clovers, or Weeds?

March 18, 2026
By Lindsey Hack
St. Patrick’s Day makes us think about shamrocks and all things green. With recent warm weather following winter rains, your lawn or garden might be dressing up for Saint Patrick’s Day and Spring with clovers and other weeds.  Clovers begin to germinate in the fall and continue throughout winter…
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A dense stand of spiny yellow starthistle plants with light green, spindly foliage and bright yellow flowers.

Invasive Species: Nature’s Troublemakers

March 11, 2026
By Lindsey Hack
California is famous for its scenic wilderness and biological diversity. Unfortunately, our state’s unique ecosystems are in danger, and invasive species are among the biggest threats to our environment. Invasive species can cause all kinds of environmental damage, such as harming wildlife, disrupting our…
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