Over the Fence (Alameda County)

When we think of gardening, our minds often drift to the vibrant colors of blooming flowers, the lush green of growing vegetables, and the satisfaction of a bountiful harvest.

Invasive species threaten California's home gardens and more importantly California's agriculture, ecology and environments. Invasive species are non-native (or exotic) species whose introduction is likely to cause economic or environmental harm, or harm to human health.

When the temperature starts to dip from the high 90s, and you are still picking ripe tomatoes and zucchini nearly every day, fall and winter gardens don't immediately come to mind. Although it may not feel like it, this is the time to be thinking ahead and planning for the next seasons.

The excessive heat days we have experienced in Northern California in 2024 may have caused us to look at our landscape trees and shrubs and notice that some are not looking so good.

Tomatoes are one of our most popular and best-loved garden plants, but they do have their issues, which vary depending on variety, climate, soil, time of the season and your overall garden environment. Problems may happen despite the best care you can give them.