From the UC Blogosphere...

Gardeners With Heart: Growing Food and Communities

Watch the video on YouTube here. 

 

In celebration of National Volunteer Month, we are thrilled to spotlight a remarkable group of UC Master Gardener volunteers nominated for their outstanding contributions to food gardening and food access initiatives in their communities. These UC Master Gardeners have gone above and beyond to promote sustainable gardening practices, address food insecurity, and empower their communities to embrace healthier and more resilient food systems. Join us as we recognize and express our gratitude to these inspiring “Gardeners with Heart” for their unwavering commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of others.

Grace Mahannah, a passionate advocate for composting and local food access in Butte County, has been pivotal in promoting sustainable gardening practices and food literacy within her community. Her efforts to connect people with fresh, locally grown produce have helped improve access to nutritious food and strengthen community ties, fostering a more resilient and equitable food system for all. The communities of Gridley and Butte County have benefited from Grace's contributions and efforts, with her successful implementation of projects that expand reach to the far corners of rural communities.

Ferol Conklin, a UC Master Gardener in Mariposa County, works tirelessly as the co-chair of the Plant-a-Row committee to provide excess produce to those in need. Her commitment to addressing food insecurity and promoting sustainable food systems has made a tangible difference in the lives of individuals and families, ensuring that everyone has access to nutritious food. With Plant-a-Row collecting more than 2,000 pounds of fresh produce from multiple home growers and local farms, Ferol's heart for the food insecure of Mariposa County knows no bounds.

Sharon Erickson, a UC Master Gardener in Palo Alto, has been a driving force behind various food gardening initiatives, including the Palo Alto Demonstration Garden and fruit tree pruning workshops. Her dedication to teaching people to grow their own food sustainably has helped build a community centered around the garden, inspiring others to take action and make positive changes in their lives. In the past year, the Palo Alto Demonstration Garden has donated more than 700 pounds of food.

Treva Valentine, an advocate for home vegetable gardening in Yolo County, has shown remarkable resilience and adaptability in continuing her outreach efforts during challenging times. Her commitment to educating and empowering individuals to grow their own food has helped improve food security and promote healthier eating habits within her community. Treva's proactive approach extends beyond Yolo County, has reached approximately 200 people over the past few years with valuable home food gardening advice.

Ann Liu, a dedicated volunteer in Yolo County, transferred to the county a few years ago with a wealth of knowledge and energy. Ann keeps everyone connected and helps feed and educate the community at large. Her involvement in promoting environmental education and community empowerment through her work with SEEDS and the Grace Garden has helped create a more inclusive and resilient community. The Grace Garden's harvest of 657 lbs. of vegetables and 317 lbs. of fruit in 2023, along with 1009 volunteers contributing over 280 hours of service, underscores Ann's impactful efforts.

John Wimer, a passionate advocate for sustainable gardening practices in Amador County, has demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication to environmental stewardship through his involvement in various food gardening projects and youth field trips. His efforts to empower individuals to embrace sustainable food production methods have helped strengthen community resilience and promote healthier, more sustainable lifestyles for all. John's contributions extend to every school in Amador County through school garden mentors and local farm visits, highlighting his commitment to education and community engagement.

Patti Joki and Gail Myers, both UC Master Gardeners in Alameda County, have played instrumental roles in organizing the Incredible Edible Plant Sale. This event not only raises funds but also provides valuable resources and education to the community. Through their leadership and dedication, they have fostered a culture of environmental stewardship and community resilience, inspiring individuals to grow their own food sustainably and contribute to a healthier food system.

We are incredibly grateful for the dedication, passion, and hard work that Grace Mahannah, Ferol Conklin, Sharon Erickson, Treva Valentine, Ann Liu, John Wimer, Patti Joki, and Gail Myers,  have demonstrated in promoting food gardening and food access initiatives in their communities. Their collective efforts have made a significant impact on the lives of individuals and families, serving as inspiring examples of how volunteers can make a positive difference in the world. As we celebrate National Volunteer Month, let us express our heartfelt gratitude to these “Gardeners with Heart” for their invaluable service and commitment to creating a healthier, more equitable food system for all.

 

About National Volunteer Month and Gardeners with Heart

During National Volunteer Month (April 1 - 30), the UC Master Gardener Program celebrates its incredible volunteers and their contributions to California communities. Gardeners with Heart volunteers were nominated for their outstanding work in food gardening and food access initiatives, highlighting their commitment to promoting sustainable food systems and community resilience. Join us in honoring their dedication and passion for making a difference in the lives of others. If you would like to get involved and learn more about gardening in your community you can find your local program here.

Keep your Garden Healthy as it Kicks into High Gear - April Garden Tips

As April unfolds, California gardeners eagerly anticipate the season's lush beauty. With frost receding into memory and temperatures climbing, it's time to welcome a fresh wave of blossoms and produce. Whether you reside in the north, south, or somewhere in between, here's a comprehensive checklist to help guide your April gardening activities:

 

1. Conceal Fading Bulb Foliage. Hide fading bulb foliage with shallow-rooted annuals like lobelia or sweet alyssum. This not only enhances the garden's appearance but also aids in vital nutrient transfer for next year's blooms.

 

2. Monitor Roses. As roses leaf out and bud, monitor them for aphids. If you find aphids, remove them from your plants with a strong stream of water. This practice helps manage populations so you don't end up with a large colony.  

 

3. Add Summer Annuals. Brighten flower beds with summer-blooming annuals, enriching the soil with organic compost to support vibrant growth and colorful displays.

 

4. Plant Summer Vegetables. Sow seeds or transplant summer vegetables as the weather gets warmer, ensuring they receive sufficient sunlight and nutrient-rich soil. Hold off on planting tomato starts until nighttime temperatures remain above 55?F to avoid frost damage.

 

5. Pest Control. Safeguard young plants from pests like snails, slugs, and earwigs by using traps. Regular monitoring and intervention help maintain garden health.

 

6. Mulch Application. Apply mulch around trees and in beds to retain soil moisture as temperatures rise. This helps conserve water and provides insulation to plant roots during warmer weather.

 

7. Plant Frost-Tender Species. Introduce frost-tender species appropriate to your growing zone. Ensure regular watering to keep the root zone moist but not waterlogged.

 

8. Care for Citrus and Fruit Trees. Prune frost-damaged branches to promote healthy growth and fruit production. Proper care ensures a bountiful harvest later in the season.

 

9. Weed Management. As weeds pop up after all the Spring rains, employ non-chemical methods like cultivation, handweeding, or mowing to manage weeds effectively. Keeping weeds in check helps maintain the health and aesthetics of your garden beds.

 

With this April garden checklist, you're well-equipped to embrace the season's abundance and nurture a thriving garden.

Ask your local UC Master Gardener Program

Have a gardening question? UC Master Gardener volunteers are available to help. Click here to Find a Program and connect with your local UC Master Gardener Program. You will be redirected to your local county website and contact information. UC Master Gardener volunteers are available to help answer questions for FREE. Happy gardening! 

How Many Earthworms are Enough?

Perhaps you've seen them. You're digging into the soil to plant something and as you dig you run across a few earthworms. Most of us have heard from childhood that worms are good for the soil. You may also be aware of vermiculture, or worm composting, using worms to help turn organic waste into nutrient rich compost for the soil. When you see earthworms in your garden, what does their presence suggest about the soil health? Should you add more?

Earthworms and Wigglers
The earthworms you typically see in your garden are considered "migratory" which means they will travel to find the habitat best suited to their success. They tend to cluster in the top 6 to 8 inches of soil around the roots of plants where they feed on decaying material and the fungi and other organisms that live there. As they travel through the soil, they drag leaves and other litter down into their burrows where soil microorganisms also begin digesting the material. These worms can tolerate colder temperatures through the winter months when they burrow deeper into the soil.

Earthworms need a light airy soil and rely on decaying organic material for nourishment. Introducing these earthworms to an inhospitable environment such as heavy clay, or compacted and/or dry soil, will result in them either leaving or dying. Where they flourish, however, they are important in mixing the dead surface litter with the main body of the soil. If you regularly add compost and a layer of mulch to your garden to improve the soil you may find the worms 'magically' appear, attracted to the habitat you are creating. In turn their constant burrowing and feeding activities help mix and distribute organic matter throughout the soil, improve soil aeration and water penetration, promoting a healthier root environment for your plants. Their excrement, known as castings, is richer in nitrogen, potassium carbon, sulfur, and other minerals than the rest of the soil, and acts as a natural fertilizer.

There is a second type of worm which lives close to the soil surface in areas of abundant organic material. These worms, including the popular species red wigglers, reproduce rapidly and thrive in warm, crowded conditions. They are less likely to survive in your garden environment, particularly during cold weather. Instead, these worms are ideally suited to worm bins, and you will usually find them for sale for use in vermiculture. In a bin they can rapidly break down food scraps and other organic waste materials, and their castings also act as a natural fertilizer when collected and added to garden soils. Think of these worms as composting specialists.

A Note of Caution
There is a type of worm known as a jumping worm, an invasive species capable of harming native forests which has been seen in California and many other states. It is recognizable by a milky-white band wrapping all around its body near the head. When disturbed, jumping worms have been known to throw themselves into the air and thrash around. It is very difficult to eliminate these worms once established, so make sure to check new mulch, compost, and potting soil for the worms, as well as soil in nursery pots. Because they live close to the surface their castings are often visible as a coffee-ground-like substance on the soil. Don't use these worms for fishing, vermiculture, or gardening. You can learn more about jumping worms at https://ucanr.edu/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=56929.

The Bottom Line
Should you add worms to your garden soil? Ultimately, it's a chicken and egg situation. Do earthworms create healthy soil or are they attracted to healthy soil? Few valid studies have been done to link the presence of earthworms with improved plant growth. However, both plants and earthworms need temperatures between 60°F and 100°F, water (but not too much or too little), oxygen, and a soil that isn't too acidic, basic, or salty. It's clear the conditions that are good for plants are also good for earthworms, and improving your soil by regularly adding compost and mulch ends up supporting a thriving community of both healthy plants and earthworms.

Help Desk of the UC Master Gardeners of Contra Costa County (RDH)

Yellowjackets

Were you bothered by yellowjackets last summer? Now is the time to get traps baited and placed outdoors. Overwintering western yellowjacket queens have been dormant all winter and are emerging now that spring is here, to feed and start a new nest. If you can capture the queen, you can prevent a new colony from forming.

There are two kinds of social wasps in our area that look somewhat alike—yellowjackets and paper wasps. Yellowjackets are the more problematic ones because their colonies can be much larger—there can be several thousand or up to fifteen thousand—and they vigorously defend their nests when disturbed. Their nests are usually underground in rodent burrows. These are the wasps that visit picnics and barbecues to scavenge meat and sugary foods.

Paper wasps are less defensive and rarely sting people. They build their paper nests in protected areas such as under house eaves. They can be a problem when the nest is over a doorway. The population in a nest is seldom over 100 wasps and is commonly only one or two dozen wasps.

Both yellowjackets and paper wasps provide a beneficial service by eating large numbers of pest insects. It is later in the summer when their colonies have grown larger and need more and more food that yellowjackets become scavengers, looking for whatever protein or sugar sources they can find. At this point, it is almost impossible to control their population. This is why it's so important to start the control process before you start to see yellowjackets flying around your picnic.

You can purchase yellowjacket traps at hardware stores or nurseries. These yellow plastic traps have a chemical attractant that lures yellowjackets into the trap. Follow package directions carefully. Make sure you don't get the attractant on your hands when you are setting it up to avoid attracting yellowjackets to your hands.

What to do if you find a nest on your property? Contra Costa Mosquito and Vector Control will treat ground-nesting yellowjackets at no charge. Contact them at 925-685-9301 or https://www.contracostamosquito.com/request-services For above-ground nests, you should call a licensed pest control company.

For more information on controlling yellowjackets and other social wasps, see this link: https://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7450.html
Quick Tips: https://ipm.ucanr.edu/QT/yellowjacketscard.html

 

Help Desk of the UC Master Gardeners of Contra Costa County (SEH)

 

 

 

 

 

Cultivating History and Community with The Heritage Rose Garden of Jackson, California

Cultivating History and Community with the Heritage Rose Garden of Jackson, California

Nestled in the heart of Amador County lies the Heritage Rose Garden, where the beauty of old roses meets the spirit of community. Here, UC Master Gardener volunteers have been hard at work, not only preserving the past but also teaching sustainable gardening practices to visitors from all walks of life.

The Heritage Rose Garden's story began with a mission to save a precious collection of heritage roses. Judy and Bob Dean, with their extensive collection of rare roses, narrowly escaped destruction during the Butte fire of 2015. Recognizing the need to protect these treasures, Bob Dean proposed the idea of creating a "backup" garden accessible to the public. This vision sparked a partnership between the UC Master Gardener Program and Mother Lode Land Trust (MLLT), aligning with their mission to preserve wildlife habitat and agriculture. Together, they laid the groundwork for a collaborative effort that blossomed into the Heritage Rose Garden located in Jackson, Calif. By 2023, the Heritage Rose Garden inspired continued partnership on the property with the completion of a propagation house, vegetable garden beds, fruit trees and compost education station. All of these new developments serve as a teaching space for the community. The Master Gardeners partnered in 2023 with Amador County Library to teach monthly hands-on, all-age workshops in this newly created space which is adjacent to the Heritage Rose Garden.

Guided by UC Cooperative Extension (UCCE) environmental horticulture advisors, UC Master Gardeners meticulously designed the garden, incorporating integrated pest management (IPM) principles to create a sustainable, pesticide-free landscape. Today, the Heritage Rose Garden boasts not only a diverse collection of heritage roses but also native plants, and thriving pollinators, all flourishing under their stewardship.

However, the Heritage Rose Garden's significance extends far beyond its botanical beauty. It serves as a testament to the power of community collaboration, with UC Master Gardeners partnering closely with local gardening clubs, rose societies, nurseries, and youth groups to cultivate a shared sense of stewardship for the land. Situated within the community of Jackson, the Heritage Rose Garden serves as a welcoming gathering place for residents of Amador County and visitors alike.

Education is at the heart of the Heritage Rose Garden's mission. Through a wide array of classes, workshops, demonstrations, and open garden days, UC Master Gardeners have significantly expanded outreach, welcoming more than 800 visitors a year. Volunteers have logged thousands of hours, contributing to the garden's success and impact. The unique mix of old roses, natives, and heirloom plants showcases what visitors can achieve in their own gardens. Public education classes show tangible results, with more than 80% reporting improved “right plant, right place” and water conservation practices. The Heritage Rose Garden serves as a living classroom, demonstrating the benefits of sustainable gardening practices and inspiring visitors to create their own thriving gardens.

As visitors wander through the Heritage Rose Garden's winding pathways, they encounter a tapestry of history, community, and natural beauty. With each rose in bloom and each lesson shared, UC Master Gardeners are not only preserving the past but also sowing the seeds for a more sustainable and connected future.

To learn more about the Heritage Rose Garden or to plan a visit please visit:  ucanr.edu/sites/Amador_County_MGs/Heritage_Rose_Garden/

 

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