Under the Solano Sun

golden yellow sunflower highlighted in a field of sunflowers against the blue sky

Seasonal observations by UC Master Gardeners of Solano County

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Bunny Planter. photos by Karen Metz
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A Kalanchoe by Any Other Name...

May 2, 2024
My mother bought me the cutest pink flowering plant in a little 2-inch bunny planter for Easter. She told me that she thought it was the prettiest Kalanchoe that she had ever seen. It was adorable, and just bursting with flowers. I was a little puzzled though.
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IMG 20190731 171443
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Tomato Diary April 20-Notes to Self

May 1, 2024
Starting from seed can open the door to more variety, but it helps to keep notes. 1) Don't start too early! Holding seedlings under poor conditions while waiting for ideal weather results in weak, spindly plants.
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photos by Heather Hamilton
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Gomphrena

April 30, 2024
Gomphrena is a super fun addition to the garden. It is in the Amaranthaceae family and is commonly know as globe amaranth. It comes in pink, purple, orange, red and white. It is native to Central and South America.
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Scotch Bonnet OG photos by Nanelle Jones-Sullivan
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Scotch Bonnet Jean

April 25, 2024
When I first married into my husband's family, I was new to the Capsicum chinense family, but I thought I knew to what Scotch Bonnet was. A Yank, in a family ofyardies. For years I would buy Scotch Bonnet plants, and for years, brother-in-law would say no.
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photo by Alex Russell
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Growing Potatoes Two Ways in the Home Garden

April 23, 2024
When I first started growing vegetables at home, potatoes seemed like they would be impossible or gross. I didn't like the idea of digging them up and having to wash them endlessly before cooking them. I don't usually peel potatoes I buy from the store, so washing would be extra work.
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