News to Grow By
Summer 2025
"Just living is not enough... one must have sunshine, freedom, and a little flower.” – Hans Christian Andersen
This summer, we're focusing on science-based, sustainable gardening practices that not only support your garden but also the environment. Inside, you'll find tips on earning Firewise USA® certification, designing water-wise lawns, and insights from a UC Davis study on how plants adapt to less water. We're also spotlighting the honeybee crisis, how to support pollinators with simple watering stations, and where to turn when you need expert advice, because Master Gardeners are here to help.
Looking to dig deeper? Visit us anytime at ccmg.ucanr.edu for trusted resources and local gardening guidance.
Let’s grow smarter, together.
Hedwig Van Den Broeck and Robin Mitchell, editors - Contact Us
Neighborhood Firewise USA Certification 1-2-3
The Firewise USA® program from the non-profit National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is a nationwide initiative designed to help communities reduce wildfire risks by implementing fire-resistant practices. (Read More)
Lawns: Are We Loving Them or Leaving Them?
The social and cultural perceptions of expanses of turfgrass are woven into the fabric of our lives, especially for those of us who remember running out to the grass at recess to frolic and romp and let off steam. (Read More)
Smart Watering, Beautiful Gardens: Lessons from UC Davis
Imagine walking through a vibrant, blooming garden in the heat of summer—where every plant is thriving, even though it’s been weeks since the last rainfall. Is this vision wishful thinking? Maybe not! (Read More)
The Alarming Disappearance of Honeybees
The plight of commercial honeybee hives across the country has become increasingly alarming over the past year. National statistics on hive collapse continue to rise, raising serious concerns among beekeepers and UC Master Gardener volunteers alike. (Read More)
Watering Holes for Pollinators for Small-Space Gardening
Even though you have limited space for gardening, you can do yourself and your neighbors a favor by providing a water source for honeybees, butterflies, and other threatened pollinators. (Read More)
Need Help? Ask the Master Gardener Help Desk
Backed by science-based research from the University of California, we dig through expert horticultural resources to find the best answers for your specific situation. (Read More)
Loose Leaves
Summer in the garden moves fast—and so do the updates. From can’t-miss News & Events to helpful tips and timely reminders, here’s a round-up of noteworthy bits and pieces to keep you informed, inspired, and one step ahead in the dirt. (Read More)
Spring 2025
"The garden suggests there might be a place where we can meet nature halfway.”
– Michael Pollan
Big Changes, Big Tomatoes, and Even Bigger Excitement!
We’ve got some juicy news—our website has officially moved to a brand-new platform! While we’re putting the finishing touches on things (including this very newsletter), everything is up and running. If you notice anything missing, don’t worry—we’re on it! Thanks for sticking with us through the transition.
Now, let’s dig into the good stuff! This spring, we’re gearing up for the Great Tomato Plant Sale (GTPS)—a gardener’s dream! Along with that, we’ve packed this issue with must-read articles on growing your own food, mastering irrigation, and keeping pesky pests in check in our Mediterranean climate.
Grab your gardening gloves, and let’s grow together!
Hedwig Van Den Broeck and Robin Mitchell, editors - Contact Us
Great Tomato Plant Sale: Bringing you veggies since 2012!
by Robin Moore
Spring is in the air! And we hope you are prepping your gardens for a season full of fresh, homegrown veggies. (Read more)
Spring Irrigation Startup
by Lori Palmquist
As the rainy season winds down and spring irrigation startup is steadily creeping toward us, it’s time to prepare your irrigation system for the busy season ahead.
(Read more)
Aphids in the Garden
by Susan Heckly and the Helpdesk Team
Aphids can be a scourge in the garden. There are over 4,000 species of aphids in the world, but fortunately, only(!) about 250 species are attracted to the plants we grow in our gardens and landscapes. (Read more)
Berries Anyone?
by David George
My “berry” favorite garden-grown treats in springtime are berries—plump, juicy blackberries, sweet red raspberries, healthy and organically-grown strawberries, and pop-in-your-mouth blueberries. (Read more)
Great Patio Container Tomatoes and Peppers for Small Space Gardening
by David George
This year’s Contra Costa County Master Gardeners Great Tomato Plant Sale supplies easy-to-grow and delicious tomato and pepper varieties for container gardening.
(Read more)
Galls on our Apple Trees
by Tina Mayer
During a routine winter pruning of 15-year-old apple trees, an unsettling discovery was made—large, brown, hard, swollen lumps clinging to the branches, even the espaliered apple trees in the front yard were not spared. (Read more)
Gardening in Our Mediterranean Climate
by Tina Mayer
Did you know that we live and garden in a rare and unique climatic zone? The Mediterranean climate exists in only 2% of the world’s land mass, found in just five regions.
(Read more)
Gardening with Kids
a UCANR Publication
Every parent has been there. You spend an hour chopping and stir-frying veggies and cooking up that perfect sauce just to hear, “This is gross!” or “I'm not hungry!”
(Read more)
This Season in the Garden
by UC Master Gardener Volunteers of Contra Costa County
Spring is the perfect time to refresh, renew, and get things in order! Here are some seasonal tasks to focus on for March, April, and May to help you stay productive and make the most of spring. (Read more)
