Blog Article by Lorenza Gibson
Seasons come and go. As gardeners, we’re constantly racing against time, always at the mercy of changing conditions. With climate change*, the seasons we once thought we could rely on no longer follow predictable patterns. Winters may stretch longer or feel unexpectedly short. Summer, once known for its enduring heat, can now turn cool without warning.
In Northern California, a “heatwave” might last just a few days—only to be followed by a sudden temperature drop of 30 degrees. Sometimes, that drop happens in a single day! Spring rains might arrive too early or end too soon. Gardening under these conditions is no small feat.
Let me share some of my challenges:
- Lettuces that bolt too early
- Arugula bursting with lush green leaves, then bolting overnight
- Rocky soil and poor ground conditions
- Chickens (as lovable as they are, they wreak havoc!)
- Wind tunnels—our house sits on a hill, and the side alleys become dry, dusty wind corridors
- Poor plant placement—my avocado tree finally bloomed and fruited, only for the wind to knock the avocados down. One year, I harvested buckets of small, unripe avocados. It was heartbreaking.
- Persistent pests like aphids and earwigs—always returning, always hungry
As a newly certified UC Master Gardener, it’s hard to ignore the many mistakes I’ve made. And, I’ve made plenty over the years. But here’s the good news: there is light at the end of the tunnel. There are countless resources available to help us grow through our mistakes. Thanks to the UC Master Gardener Program, I now have an ever-growing toolbox of knowledge and strategies. Climate change will continue to challenge gardeners like me. Still, with resources like UC Agriculture and Natural Resources, UC Integrated Pest Management, and the wisdom shared by experienced Master Gardeners, I’m more prepared than ever. At the very least, I now have better odds of having time on my side.