Garden

No room in a yard? Container gardens are a great way to grow vegetables with the proper precautions. Here are several considerations when planting in containers:   SunSelect plants based on sunlight exposure. Most vegetables require 6 to 8 hours of direct sun daily. Leafy vegetables like lettuce,…

This week, we shared information about important invasive species, what to do if you find them, and how you can help prevent their spread. To wrap up California Invasive Species Action Week, we’d like to highlight a few key takeaways: Don’t pack or plant a pest Whether you’re traveling or gardening…

The scary-looking, ominously-named wolf spider is actually a beneficial insect.  Wolf spiders belong to the class Arachnida and are members of the family Lycosidae (derived from the Greek word lycos, meaning wolf). Wolf spiders stalk their prey like wolves do; they do not spin webs or use silk to subdue prey…

Ever since this show, In The Garden with UCCE Master Gardeners, started, the prospect of drought has hung over our heads. We have a show today that we are calling “Water for Our Gardens – What to Expect”. Our own Master Gardener show host Teena Spindler is lucky to have another Master Gardener friend…

The golden flowers of French broom covering hillsides and the tall, striking stalks of pampasgrass stand out on trails and roadsides. These plants may be beautiful, but they are invasive and harm California’s natural landscapes.  Invasive plants outcompete and crowd out native plants, damaging…

Check out what's new at the Amador Compost Learning Center as of May 2025.

While bringing firewood from home for your weekend camping trip may seem harmless, many invasive pests can hide in firewood and cause serious harm to California’s forests and urban landscapes. You can help limit the spread of these unwanted hitchhikers by collecting or buying firewood close to where you plan…

Be on the lookout for invasive species threatening California! While state and federal agencies actively monitor for new invasive pests, the public serves a critical role in early detection and often are the ones who find new invasive species first.  During California Invasive Species Action Week …

Invasive species. What does that mean? Invasive species are non-native pests that harm California’s natural areas, public health, and economy. To raise awareness about these pests, UC IPM joins other state agencies to promote the annual California Invasive Species Action Week (CISAW), which goes from June 7…